MAWSA joins coalition calling for a free public transport trial for students

Massey at Wellington Students’ Association, along with other Wellington organisations, has launched a petition calling on the Government to fund a trial of free public transport for Community Service Card holders and students in the Greater Wellington region. Neat!  

Tessa Guest, MAWSA President, says “Pōneke is becoming a less liveable city every year, and the cost of public transport plays a huge role in that.” 

The coalition has sent an open letter to the Minister of Transport, Michael Wood, alongside a petition and a call for letters from all those who find public transport inaccessible or unaffordable. In the open letter, they ask that fares for all Community Service Card holders and tertiary students be free across all times, including on-peak hours, and applicable for trains, buses, cable cars and harbour ferries. The coalition also asks that the pilot programme begin no later than June 2023.  

“This is an essential move for students who face unaffordable living costs in the city, foregoing basic needs and services in order to use public transport,” said Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) Engagement Vice President and campaign spokesperson Grace Carr. “The government is funding a similar trial in Auckland next year. Wellington people deserve something similar.” 

Katherine Blow, VUWSA Campaigns Officer and campaign spokesperson, says “Accessible public transport is important for equity and climate action. That includes fair pay for our bus drivers, which we fully support.”