Public transport use has surged across New Zealand as spiralling fuel prices squeeze household budgets, sparking renewed calls for free fares.
Auckland recorded 2.25 million bus, train and ferry trips last week, a seven year high and 140,000 more journeys than the same week last year, as commuters increasingly ditch their cars amid the global energy crisis.
Similar increases were being seen nationwide, with public transport use up 3% in Wellington, 2.2% in Christchurch, and 4% in Dunedin. Councils say demand is likely to continue rising.
The jump in patronage has reignited political pressure for free public transport. The Green Party has written to the Prime Minister offering its support in Parliament for a fuel crisis relief package, with three months of free public transport as a key measure.
"It is a no-brainer to remove all of the barriers to public transport use," Green Party co leader Chlöe Swarbrick said, noting it would also help take pressure off fuel supply for those who still needed to drive.
Advocacy group Free Fares NZ has called for targeted measures instead, pushing for fare free travel for students, Community Services Card holders and Total Mobility users.
"We want something that makes people's lives easier in what's going to be a difficult time," spokesperson Frances Mountier said.
"We know that the Minister of Finance has talked about promising to deliver targeted and timely support, and this is one part of that."
Transport agencies were now monitoring capacity to cope with the increase. Auckland Transport's Rachel Cara said early March was usually the busiest time of the year but last week exceeded expectations.
"Traditionally, the first week of March is our highest week, until last week happened," she said.
The Government met with public transport officials today to assess whether services could handle ongoing growth in demand.
On fares, the Transport Minister said public transport was already heavily subsidised, and any further relief would require careful consideration.
SHARE ME