Ferries to push up fares

Ferry fares for most Auckland commuters are expected to go up at the end of the month.

Passengers on Fullers Ferries were told yesterday that fares would rise from October 1, but monthly passes could be bought at the old prices until the end of the month.

Fullers yesterday refused to confirm it had changed its fares, but said increases in the cost of diesel had forced it to review its pricing.

Fullers spokesman Chris Bradley said the company hoped to decide within the next week.

In the meantime, staff were telling customers they could buy quarterly passes for October to December at old prices until October 1.

"Hopefully they might get passes at the old prices after October 1. We are not sure yet."

The company's diesel costs had increased more than 60 per cent over the past year.

Fullers carries most of Auckland's ferry commuters, with scheduled runs between the city and Waiheke Island, Devonport, Birkenhead, Bayswater, Stanley Bay and Half Moon Bay.

A pass for an adult to travel between the city and Waiheke Island for a month now costs $240. The same pass to go between the city and Devonport costs $90.