21 Aug 2017

Greens pledge free public transport for under-19s

5:53 pm on 21 August 2017

The Green Party would make it free for everyone under the age of 19 to travel on buses, trains and commuter ferries.

One of Auckland's 57 new electric trains at Henderson Station

Photo: Supplied/Auckland Transport

A 'Green Card' would be created, which would also provide free off-peak travel for tertiary students and those doing apprenticeships.

Under the policy all people with a disability on a supported living benefit would also be eligible for free public transport.

The Greens' transport spokesperson, Julie-Anne Genter, said the policy would cost $70-80 million a year.

"That would buy about 1km of the Puhoi-Warkworth motorway, if we look at the announcement made by the National government for $10.5bn on a few highways - that's 100 years of free public transport."

Ms Genter said the cost of transport should not be a barrier to getting to class or going on a family outing.

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