April 07, 2026

#national: Call for Free Public Transport as Fuel Crisis Hits School Attendance

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 7, 2026

An open letter is calling on the Government to urgently make public transport free for all children and students, as rising fuel costs begin to impact school attendance across Aotearoa.

The appeal comes amid a deepening fuel crisis linked to global supply disruptions, with petrol prices surging and placing growing pressure on families already struggling with the cost of living.

Advocates say the rising cost of transport is creating barriers to education, with some families unable to afford getting their children to school. Early signs of declining attendance have already been reported, particularly in communities where travel distances are long and alternatives are limited.

The open letter urges the Government to reinstate free public transport for school-aged children and extend support to tertiary students, arguing it would provide immediate relief and ensure young people can continue accessing education.

It also calls for the restoration and protection of rural school bus services, highlighting the added challenges faced by students outside major centres who rely heavily on these routes.

Campaigners say the current crisis is disproportionately affecting low-income households, where transport costs are competing with essentials like food and housing.

They argue that making public transport free would not only ease financial pressure but also provide a practical alternative to private vehicles, reducing demand for fuel during a time of constrained supply.

The push aligns with wider calls from transport and social advocacy groups, who say fare-free public transport is one of the fastest and most effective ways to respond to the crisis while supporting vulnerable communities.

Public transport use has already surged as more people abandon cars in response to rising fuel prices, intensifying debate about whether fares should be removed altogether during the crisis.

With pressure mounting, the Government is being urged to act quickly to prevent further disruption to education and ensure no child is left behind because of transport costs.