The Green Party has unveiled a comprehensive public transport proposal aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing rising fuel costs ahead of New Zealand’s general election next month. The plan seeks to make public transport more accessible and affordable while investing heavily in infrastructure improvements.
Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick outlined the party’s commitment to offering free travel for young people and vulnerable groups, including students, Community Service Card holders, and Total Mobility users. For other passengers, fares would be capped at a maximum of $2 per trip. Swarbrick emphasized the need for a “fast, convenient and affordable transport system” to alleviate traffic congestion, which she described as costly in terms of time, money, and productivity.
The policy includes significant investments totaling approximately NZ$23.9 billion. The bulk of the funding—NZ$21 billion—would go toward mass rapid transit projects and rail enhancements. This includes plans to reintroduce overnight passenger rail services between major centers such as Auckland and Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin through the revival of the Southern line, and the extension of Te Huia services to Tauranga. Additionally, the Greens intend to strengthen rural bus networks to better connect communities.
Other budget allocations comprise NZ$1.3 billion to cover the fare caps and free rides, NZ$75 million for electric buses, NZ$290 million to support local councils in expanding walking and cycling infrastructure, NZ$824 million for general public transport improvements, and NZ$406 million to bolster inter-regional bus services.
Transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter highlighted the consequences of years of underinvestment in public transport, noting that it has made urban travel challenging without a private vehicle. She pointed to plans for mass rapid bus and light rail systems in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, alongside measures to improve service frequency and reliability in smaller urban centers.
The Greens also propose empowering local governments to pedestrianize more inner-city areas, aiming to reduce vehicle congestion, enhance urban revitalization, and create safer environments for walking and biking. The party asserts this approach will foster more liveable, attractive urban spaces.
Swarbrick acknowledged the financial scale of the proposal but framed it as necessary to address both the immediate cost-of-living crisis and longer-term infrastructure needs. The party’s strategy centers on providing faster, more affordable, and environmentally sustainable transport options across New Zealand’s towns, cities, and regions.