Fair fares for students

As student associations, we’ve had countless students share their struggles with us. A common story is that they’re having to choose between paying for transport to their place of study or covering essential costs like rent or food.

That is simply not good enough.

Every student deserves to access education without the burden of wondering how they’ll afford to get there. With rising tuition fees and living costs, transport should not be another barrier to success. This change would ease a major financial pressure and help ensure students can stay in school and thrive.


The Bigger Picture:

We imagine a city where education is genuinely accessible, where no student misses class because they can’t afford the bus or train. Right now, this vision feels out of reach for many tertiary students in Auckland.

Students are being squeezed by the rising cost of living: higher rents, more expensive groceries, and growing tuition fees. When you add full-priced public transport on top, it becomes unsustainable.

Tertiary students within Auckland receive the lowest discount out of all the groups that have discounts. 

Group Current Discount
Children (Aged 5–15)  | 40% off
Secondary School Students  | 40% off
Tertiary Students  | 20% off 
Community Services Card Holders  | 50% off 
Senior Citizens  | Free 

Providing a 50% fare concession for tertiary students is a step toward fairness. It’s an investment in Auckland’s future, in its young people, and in educational equity.

Let’s remove the barriers, not raise them.