Students Get on Wellington Public Transport Discount Over the Line

After years of campaigning for ‘Fairer Fares’, Wellington tertiary students can now celebrate the introduction of cheaper travel on buses and trains.

On Tuesday, (October 31) the Greater Wellington Regional Council voted to introduce a 25% discount for full time tertiary students on bus and train fares throughout the region.

The Fairer Fares campaign has been spearheaded by the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA), with student presidents seeing it as a significant step towards Wellington becoming a Student Friendly city.

“This is a massive win for students and it’s been a long time coming,” 2017 VUWSA President Rory Lenihan-Ikin says.

“We know the cost of travel, particularly from towns outside of Wellington city, is a barrier for students pursuing a higher education.

“Wellington has finally joined cities around the world, who know how to attract young people to live, study and work here.”

In its decision, the regional council also retained a 50% discount for those travelling on the accessibility fare, reversing an initial proposal to reduce it to 25%.

“People with disabilities often have limited options for getting around a city, including sometimes not being able to walk or drive. Having a significant discount provided for them is vital in ensuring Wellington is accessible as possible for everyone.” Lenihan-Ikin said.

Ali Leota, of Victoria University’s Pasifika Students’ Council says removing the financial burden of getting to and from class, opens up more opportunities for young people to become leaders in their communities.

“A discount for tertiary students on public transport is about removing barriers to achievement, and it is about providing an equal opportunity for all Wellington tertiary students.

“I spend half my student allowance on public transport, and it’s a massive barrier to make ends meet elsewhere.”

Kahu Kutia, co-president of Ngāi Tauira, Victoria’s Māori students’ association, said a public transport discount means more than just a few extra dollars in their pockets.

“Many Tauira have sacrificed much, and moved away from our marae and our whanau to be here [at university] and gaining a degree.

“Not only is this an education issue, it is an equity issue. In making university more accessible to our tauira Māori, we are nurturing people who will take us towards a brighter future.”

ENDS

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