Transport advocates are pushing free public transport as New Zealand's answer to the fuel crisis, arguing it would reduce demand while keeping people mobile.
The proposal offers a stark contrast to Australia's fuel import underwriting approach across the Tasman. Two neighbors, two completely different philosophies - Australia underwrites fossil fuel imports, New Zealand considers making buses free.
It's a microcosm of how the Tasman neighbors approach crisis management, and which model makes more sense for small Pacific nations.
The proposal from transport advocates calls for temporarily making all public transport free across New Zealand's major cities. The goal: reduce private vehicle use and stretch limited fuel supplies further.
"We're facing a fuel crisis. The answer isn't to guarantee more fossil fuel imports - it's to use less fuel," said Matt Lowrie, a transport researcher and advocate. "Free public transport would take thousands of cars off the road immediately."
The cost would be significant - around $200-300 million per year in lost fare revenue across New Zealand's public transport networks. But advocates argue that's far less than the economic cost of fuel shortages or the billions Australia is spending to guarantee imports.
New Zealand has experimented with free public transport before. Several cities offered free buses during COVID-19 lockdowns, and some regional councils have made local services free on weekends. The results showed significant increases in ridership when fares were removed.
The proposal has gained traction as fuel prices surge and supply concerns mount. Petrol is now averaging over $3.50 per liter in , with diesel even higher. For many families, the daily commute is becoming unaffordable.
