We're calling upon our Environment Canterbury Councillors to implement a fare reduction for students. We need to get people into more climate-friendly transport modes. A fare reduction would increase parking spaces for those who need it more, have a positive environmental effect, get students' cars off the road, and help them develop life-long public transport habits.

Students are a price sensitive group likely to change behaviour with a fare reduction. In a recent survey at the University of Canterbury, 58% of students would use the bus more if it was discounted, as for many it's currently cheaper to drive than it is to bus.  98% of UC students support a bus discount.

In the recent Environment Canterbury long term plan submissions, Lincoln University Students Association and University of Canterbury Students Association both submitted advocating for a fare reduction for tertiary students.  Subsequently councillors have voted to investigate the fare reduction, with a report coming to their meeting on the 30th of September - where it is likely to be voted on.  The proposed discount would include tertiary students attending UC, Lincoln, Ara and Christchurch School of Medicine campuses, reducing the price to the current child fare. 

It is crucial to implement this as soon as possible to lower climate-changing emissions and congestion, give freedom to many students who can't afford to bus, bring more students into the city centre, and increase parking spaces for those who truly need it around our institutions. We need your support to get this across the line, so please sign now.