Green Party unveils plan for free child travel, $2 adult fares and new light rail
The Green Party announced a transport package that would make public transport free for children and vulnerable groups, cap adult fares at $2, and expand light rail in major cities.
Ahead of the upcoming general election, the Green Party presented a comprehensive transport agenda designed to reduce reliance on cars and ease rising petrol prices. The scheme would provide free public transport for children, students, Community Service Card holders and Total Mobility users, and set a maximum fare of $2 for all other riders. It proposes building mass rapid bus corridors and light-rail lines in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, while also funding shortfalls for smaller towns.
The party pledges to re-introduce overnight passenger rail between Auckland and Wellington, revive the Southerner service between Christchurch and Dunedin, extend the Te Huia line to Tauranga, and strengthen rural bus services. Additional measures include enabling councils to pedestrianise city centres to boost walkability and urban revitalisation. Green co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson, along with transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter, framed the plan as a way to unclog roads, free up household budgets and modernise New Zealand’s transport network.
Why it matters
The proposal could dramatically lower travel costs and traffic congestion while shifting commuters toward greener transport options.
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