The Green Party wants to make buses and trains free for children, students and Community Service Card holders, and cap adult fares at $2, under a public transport plan announced by the party.
The policy, called Connecting Aotearoa, also promises mass rapid transit in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, an overnight passenger train between Auckland and Wellington, and the return of passenger rail between Christchurch and Dunedin.
Free travel would extend to teenagers, apprentices and Total Mobility users.
The Parliamentary Library costed the fare changes at $262 million in 2027/28, rising to $381 million by 2030/31, and the Greens said their tax policy would cover the cost.
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the fare changes would put money back in people's pockets straight away.
"Congestion sucks - it costs us time, money and productivity. The Greens will unclog our roads and free up wallets with mass rapid transit, free travel for kids, students, Community Service Card holders, Total Mobility users, and a maximum $2 fare for everyone else," she said.
"The Greens have the plan to get immediate improvements using what we've already got, while laying down the tracks for the future."
Swarbrick tied the policy to the cost of fuel.
"In the middle of a fossil fuel crisis, these common sense investments will save New Zealanders money, stress and time. It'll cut emissions and improve quality of life."
The policy puts $13.65b towards light rail in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, though the party said it would build either light rail or bus rapid transit depending on the Infrastructure Commission's preferred option. It describes the light rail figures as a cost ceiling and all its costings as indicative only.
Auckland's line would run from Māngere to the city centre via Mt Roskill, Wellington's from Island Bay to the railway station, and Christchurch's from Hornby to Belfast.
The passenger rail plan includes routes from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Dunedin and extending the current Te Huia train to Tauranga. (Source: 1News)
Councils and rural towns
The party said it would cover the funding shortfall councils face in running bus and train services, so smaller cities and towns could expand public transport alongside the main centres. It also plans more frequent bus services between regions and wants to let councils pedestrianise more inner-city streets.
Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said cities had paid the price for neglect.
"Years of underinvestment in public transport have left our cities harder to get around without a car. Our cities have the potential to be accessible, vibrant and connected for locals and visitors."
She said the plan's focus on more frequent buses and modern trains would help growing towns and cities keep up with demand.
"The Green Party will create many more options for people to hop on fast, affordable buses and trains either in their town, city or across the country."
On long-distance travel, the Greens would bring back the Southerner between Christchurch and Dunedin, with a possible extension to Invercargill, and improve, electrify and extend the Te Huia service, which runs between Hamilton and Auckland, through to Tauranga.
Swarbrick said travel around the country had become too expensive.
"Visiting family members or friends across the country shouldn't cost a small fortune or rely on an air carrier that's been shutting down regional routes."
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