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Public transport subsidies are ending. Here's how much fares will rise

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RNZ

29 April 2024, 8:17 PM

Public transport subsidies are ending. Here's how much fares will risePhoto: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The government's public transport subsidies are coming to an end - but how much fares will rise depends on where you are in the country.


The Community Connect fare subsidy meant children aged 5 to 12 travelled free and those aged 13-24 got half-price fares.


It was introduced in mid-2023, off the back of a previous subsidy put in place to counteract soaring petrol prices due to the war in Ukraine.





Tuesday is the final day that the subsidy is in place and fares will rise in many places from Wednesday.


However, some councils will continue to fund cheaper fares for select groups.


Here is a look at how much more people will pay for the bus or train in Auckland once the subsidy ends.


From 1 May, young people aged 13-15, and secondary students aged 16-19, will all see their fares double on buses and trains.


Weekday zone 1 travel will rise from 70 cents to $1.35, zone 2 travel will rise from $1.30 to $2.60, and zone 3 travel will rise from $1.75 to $3.55. Zone 9 travel, at the top end of the scale, will go from $3.35 to $6.60


Children aged 5-12 will no longer travel for free and must also pay those same fares.


Young people aged 16 to 24 who are not eligible for another concession must pay adult fares. That includes under-18s who are no longer attending high school.


Their fares will rise from $1.25 to $2.60 for zone 1, $2.20 to $4.45 for zone 2, $3 to $6 for zone 3, and $3.70 to $7.40 for zone 4.


Ferry fares will also rise. Children aged 13-15 and secondary students aged 16-19 will now pay $3.55, up from $1.75, for travel in the inner harbour (between the Viaduct and Bayswater, Birkenhead, Northcote Point, and Devonport). Children 5-12 must pay the same fares.


For those aged 16-24 who are not in school, the fare will increase from $3 to $6.


For travel in the mid harbour (between the city and Half Moon Bay, West Harbour, Hobsonville or Beach Haven), fares will rise from $2.42 to $5.10 for those aged 13-19 and in secondary school. Children aged 5-12 must also pay $5.10.


Youth aged 16-24 who are not in school will see their fare rise from $4.12 to $8.50.





Those with Community Services cards can get 50 percent off adult fares, while Total Mobility or Blind Low Vision NZ card-holders can get up to 40 percent off adult fares on buses, trains and ferries.


Tertiary students receive about 20 percent off adult fares.


Children aged 5-13 will continue to travel for free on buses and trains during the weekends if they tag on and off with an AT HOP card.


Children under 5 do not need an AT HOP card and can continue to travel for free at all times.


Here is the full breakdown of the changes Auckland public transport fares.