Public transport fare increases 2025

The story so far

Documents released under the official information act suggested bus fares could rise by as much as 500% in some areas, following NZTA requests for local authorities to increase private revenue to meet new government targets.^{26 Feb 2025} In Wellington, funding cuts also affected plans for a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.^{26 Feb 2025} Greater Wellington councillors agreed to a 2.2% Metlink fare increase from July, and the Snapper off-peak discount will fall from 50% to 30%.^{27 Feb 2025} Officials said the changes aligned with inflation and ensured costs were shared fairly between transport users and ratepayers.^{27 Feb 2025} Environment Canterbury then voted for gradual bus fare increases over three years, resisting pressure from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to sharply raise private contributions to bus operating costs.^{27 Mar 2025}

Latest

Environment Canterbury has voted for gradual bus fare increases over the next three years, rather than sharp rises.^{27 Mar 2025}

What's next

Metlink fares are due to increase by 2.2% from July.^{27 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 Feb 2025Documents suggest bus fares could rise up to 500% in some areas.
2. 26 Feb 2025Wellington funding cuts affect plans for a fully electric 2030 bus fleet.
3. 27 Feb 2025Greater Wellington agrees to 2.2% Metlink fare increase from July.
4. 27 Feb 2025Snapper off-peak discount to drop from 50% to 30%.
5. 27 Mar 2025Environment Canterbury votes for gradual bus fare increases over three years.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.