A drop-off in train passengers has seen the Greater Wellington Regional Council borrow $24 million to fund the shortfall.
The [drop ](https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350124211/dozens-wellington-trains-could-be-cut-if-millions-not-spent-minister-told)has combined with other factors such as the region’s failing water infrastructure to mean fares and rates will continue to increase, and the regional council will be in a $1.2 billion deeper debt hole in a decade’s time.
Regional council transport committee chairperson Thomas Nash said shortfalls, caused by Covid-19 and people working from home, were similar in the two previous years but those were covered by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
