Auckland introduces fare cap on public transport

Auckland Transport is introducing a NZ$50 (US$30) weekly fare cap across its public transport network in a bid to help residents struggling with the cost of living.

The fare cap covers all bus and rail services in New Zealand’s biggest city, inner harbour ferry services and the Te Huia train between Hamilton and Auckland.

“The seven-day fare cap gives Aucklanders price certainty, allowing them to budget more easily by knowing they won’t pay more than NZ$50 a week,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.

“It’s about getting back to basics and making better use of what we have – the things we can do now to make a difference for Aucklanders.”

The weekly cap replaces the city’s NZ$20 daily fare cap and the NZ$230 bus and train monthly pass.

In January 2024, Auckland Transport increased public transport fares by an average of 6.2 percent in response to “significant and sustained” increases in operating costs that the agency has faced in recent years.

Later in May, the national government abolished public transport subsidies for free travel for children aged 5 to 12 and half-price fares for those aged 13 to 24.

More trips

Auckland Transport’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, said approximately eight percent of the 450,000 Aucklanders using public transport monthly will benefit from the cap.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to try public transport for more trips. For example, someone who takes the bus to the city during the week might now decide to take the train or one of our inner harbour ferries to go shopping or meet up with friends on the weekend.”

A nationwide ticketing system called ‘Motu Move‘ is set to roll out at the end of this year, which will allow people to pay for fares using contactless debit and credit cards, as well as digital payment methods.

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