Green Party promises free travel for children, $2 adult fares, light rail for key cities

The Green Party has launched a policy to provide affordable public transport to combat the use of fossil fuels and avoid pain at the pump as petrol prices skyrocket.

A month out from the general election, Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says her party will make public transport free for young and vulnerable people – with a capped $2 rate for others.

“New Zealanders deserve a fast, convenient and affordable transport system. The Greens have the plan to get immediate improvements using what we’ve already got, while laying down the tracks for the future,” Swarbrick said.

“Congestion sucks – it costs us time, money and productivity.”

The Green policy would “unclog our roads and free up wallets” with mass rapid transit, free travel for kids, students, Community Service Card holders, Total Mobility users and a maximum $2 fare for everyone else”.

The Greens will also target longer trips by promoting greater use of existing rail lines.

“We will deliver overnight passenger rail from Auckland to Wellington, bring back the Southerner between Christchurch and Dunedin, extend Te Huia to Tauranga, and strengthen rural bus services. These practical projects keep people connected and give everyone the ability to explore our beautiful country,” Swarbrick said.

Green Party Co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Green Party Transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter said underinvestment in public transport had left our cities harder to get around without a car.

“Improving our cities with a plan for more frequent buses and modern trains will set New Zealand up for the future and help meet the demands of our growing towns and cities,” Genter said.

The policy plans to build mass rapid bus and light rail in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. It would also improve public transport in smaller cities and towns, as well as major metropolitan areas, by funding the shortfall councils need to deliver services.

Green Party Transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter. Photo / NZME

The Greens would also encourage fewer vehicles in inner-city areas by enabling councils to pedestrianise more areas to “boost urban revitalisation, increase safe walking and biking spaces, and make urban areas beautiful places where people want to spend their time”.

“The Green Party will create many more options for people to hop on fast, affordable buses and trains either in their town, city or across the country. Our plan will provide options that are affordable and easy, for all of us to get to where we need to go,” Genter said.