On Thursday morning, the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Annual General Meeting passed a remit supporting the Free Fares call for central Government to fund free public transport for under-25’s, tertiary students, Community Services Card Holders, and Total Mobility Card holders and their support people. This motion, moved by Porirua City Council, indicates broad support for the Free Fares campaign right across local government.

“This is an incredibly important moment in the movement. Free Fares has been calling for change for the past year, and we now have the largest local government association backing our cause,” says Free Fares Campaign organiser Mika Hervel.

“Free Fares is not a fringe idea. It is not absurd, or even unrealistic. Every day, more and more people are backing our calls to central Government and the support of LGNZ’s remit this morning is indication that this is no longer a partisan issue. The Government should act now,” says Hervel.

At the passing of the remit on Thursday morning, Nelson City Councillor Josh Lawrey cheered when he heard the news. He says the backing of LGNZ is significant, especially considering the remit passed with 82 percent support.

“The feedback that I get on almost a daily basis is that New Zealanders get it: they understand how Free Fares can help us to reduce emissions and congestion while helping to take some of the sting out of poverty. When people spend less money on transport, they have more money to spend on food and heating,” he said.

Josh Trlin, Porirua City Councillor and one of the leaders in the push for the cause amongst local government, says "LGNZ officially signing on to the Collective is a huge step forward for this campaign. Councils up and down the country have today made a clear statement that central Government should fund free fares, and they have done so because they understand both the need in their communities and the urgency of this moment.”

He believes that Free Fares is a campaign that will make a significant impact in the lives of those most vulnerable. “Free Fares will ease the cost of living for the most vulnerable and also help in our fight against the climate crisis,” he said.

Joining the call, Kāpiti Coast District Councillor Sophie Handford is also proud of the action taken today. “Exciting to see councils across Aotearoa having voted for LGNZ to support the Free Fares campaign, seeking to increase accessibility and usage of public transport and enable better outcomes for people and planet,” she said.

“Ultimately, I see it to be our obligation as Councils and LGNZ's mandate to lead and champion climate justice with the future generations in mind. Now, we need central Government to step up to the play,” Handford said.

The Free Fares Campaign renews their call for Minister of Transport Michael Wood and Minister of Finance Grant Robertson to fund the Free Fares ask immediately.

Free public transport for under-25’s, tertiary students, Community Services Card Holders and Total Mobility Card holders and their support people is needed, and it is needed now.

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