The Free Fares movement, a coalition of over 100 organisations, is deeply disappointed that the coalition government is prioritizing astronomically expensive roading projects over essential public transport needs in Budget 2025.

“Free Fares calls on the government to prioritise Vote Transport money towards accessible public transport for those who most need it. Free Fares calls for quality free public transport for students, under 25s, Community Service Card holders, Total Mobility Card holders and their support people,” says Free Fares spokesperson Patrick O’Connor.

“Communities are at the mercy of the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis. Public transport is the best sustainable solution to these problems. Building more roads will not improve traffic for commuters. Less investment in public transport will mean more cars, and therefore more traffic jams and congestion.

“In comparison, buses and trains take far less space and move far more people. A quality and affordable public transport system has the potential to both greatly reduce traffic woes and carbon emissions.”

At the same time as 15 motorways are being built the NZTA intends to increase the “private share of public transport operating expenditure”. This pushes councils to increase bus and train fares. This will push more costs onto working people, making daily life more difficult for already struggling New Zealanders. Many Transport Authorities have told NZTA this is not realistic. Free Fares NZ and 6000 others recently petitioned the government against the private share fare hikes.

“Free Fares advocates for community needs over the self-interests of profit” O’Connor explains. “Public transport is a long-term investment. It increases accessibility for people to benefit from education and the labour force, which in turn allows them to contribute to the productivity and innovation of society in the long-term.”

Notes:

Free Fares NZ is a coalition of over 100 organisations across Aotearoa, including local councils, LGNZ, climate justice organisations, churches, anti-poverty groups, trade unions, student associations and various other community organisations. We call on the government to subsidise half-price public transport for everyone, as well as free transport for students, under 25s, Community Service card holders, and Total Mobility card holders along with their support people. Free Fares have been successful so far in securing permanent half-price fees for Community Service cardholers.

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