New Zealand universities call for free public transport

September 9, 2022

By Jack Horsnell

Photo: Auckland Transport.

Aotearoa's eight universities have joined the call to make public transport free to students and low-income earners.

Universities New Zealand, Te Pōkai Tara, the collective voice for New Zealand's eight universities, joined the Aotearoa Collective for Public Transport Equity after the Vice-Chancellors' Committee agreed to support its free fares campaign. 

As well as for students, the collective is seeking free public transport for low-income earners, under-25s, community services card holders, and total mobility card holders and their support people.

In March, the collective handed the Government a petition with more than 13,000 signatures.

Universities New Zealand Chair and Vice-Chancellor of Massey University Professor Jan Thomas is urging the Government to support their campaign, highlighting that it aligns with the Government's goals of barrier-free education and reducing carbon emissions. 

"Costs of living are increasingly exceeding available student allowances and the amounts that students can borrow. We are seeing a crisis in student wellbeing and mental health, and to a significant extent, this arises from increased financial pressures on students." 

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