It’s Time For Permanent, Free Public Transport – TOP

The Opportunity Party is calling for the immediate introduction of permanent, free-to-ride public transport across New Zealand.

“Free public transport pays for itself – in productivity and public health cost-savings. It’s time to make it permanent” says leader Qiulae Wong.

“In the middle of an incredibly challenging fuel crisis, free public transport provides immediate cost relief to a wide range of Kiwis – and actually saves fuel. Unlike the Government’s Working for Families relief package for 143,000 families, most Kiwis will be able to start saving money immediately, while the nation reduces petrol and diesel demand.”

“But we need to look beyond this crisis too. Free Public Transport is a highreturn infrastructure investment, not a giveaway. In the long-term, it pays for itself.”

The Party projects the initiative would have a net cost of $150 million per year.

“It’s a good investment” says Wong. “We already fund around 90% of the cost of public transport from taxes and rates – this additional $150 million per year buys New Zealand a wide range of savings over time – like productivity gains from less traffic, less road wear and tear and health savings (from both air pollution and road traffic accidents). In the long-term, that $150 million a year will likely pay for itself.”

The party cites a range of benefits of the policy – including easing the cost-of-living crisis, reducing traffic, increasing productivity, removing the need for ticketing infrastructure and improving health.