We, as young people of Aotearoa, are concerned about the high cost of public transport fares in Auckland. As students, we rely heavily on public transportation to access education, educational resources, and extracurricular activities. However, the current fare prices are putting a significant burden on our finances, making it difficult for us to afford the transportation we need. 

Thousands of students in Auckland are being disproportionately affected by the high cost of public transport. Many are forced to spend a significant portion of their limited budgets on fares, leaving little room for other essential expenses like food, textbooks, and extracurricular activities. Some students are even resorting to walking long distances or skipping school altogether due to the unaffordability of transport. This is not only affecting their academic performance but also their mental health and overall well-being. 

If we fail to address this issue, the consequences will be severe and long-lasting. Students from low-income backgrounds will continue to be priced out of education and opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting their future prospects. The achievement gap will widen, and social mobility will decrease, leading to a more divided and unequal society. Furthermore, the economic growth of our city will be hindered by a lack of skilled and educated workers. On the other hand, if we reduce public transport fares, we can create a more inclusive and equitable system that allows all students to access education, jobs, and opportunities, regardless of their financial situation.

We believe that affordable public transportation is essential for our education, well-being, and future success. High fares are not only a financial strain but also limit our access to opportunities, internships, and part-time jobs. We urge to consider the following solutions:

Implement fare reductions such as:

• Discounted fares for students
• Free or reduced fares for students with financial difficulties
• Caps on daily or weekly fares to prevent excessive costs

Introduce discounted fares for frequent users, such as:

• Weekly or monthly passes
• Loyalty programs or rewards for regular customers

Invest in efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation systems, including:

• Upgrading bus and train fleets to reduce emissions and improve comfort
• Expanding bike-share programs and improving cycling infrastructure
• Enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility

The time to act is now because the situation is urgent and critical. Every day that passes means another student is forced to miss school, turn down an opportunity, or go without a meal to afford transport. By reducing public transport fares, we can create a more just and inclusive society where all students have the chance to succeed. We owe it to ourselves, our peers, and our community to take action and demand change. Let us come together to make public transport affordable for all students in Auckland! We demand a reduction in public transport fares for students, and we demand it now!