The New Zealand government is set to invest more into its public transport services and operations than ever, it announced this week.
A record 41 per cent additional funding compared to the period between 2021 to 2024 will be put toward bus and train services, transport minister Simeon Brown says.
“This government is committed to supporting public transport to provide more travel choices for New Zealanders,” he says.
“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has confirmed indicative funding from the National Land Transport Fund for public transport services and operations will increase by 41 per cent compared to funding allocated between 2021 and 2024.
“This is a record investment in public transport services and operations to deliver reliable services to commuters across the country.”
This funding will also include the rollout of the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) that will enable contactless debit and credit card payments starting this year in Auckland, before expanding to Timaru in December 2024, Christchurch in early 2025, and all other regions by the end of 2026.
Brown says this will make accessing and using public transport significantly easier for all New Zealanders.
“In addition to record investment, the rollout of contactless debit and credit card payments for public transport users through the NTS will make public transport services more convenient, easier to use, and deliver a consistent experience no matter where Kiwis are or what service they are using,” he says.
“This solution will enable the public to choose the payment method that works best for them. This includes contactless debit or credit cards, as well as digital payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile phones and smart watches, while still having the option of a pre-paid transit card.
“These methods are common elsewhere around the world, and it’s time New Zealanders had access to the same standard of service.”
This will see all of New Zealand operating under one National Ticketing System to make public transport more accessible to all New Zealanders.
“Local councils and transport operators will be able to monitor demand and rollout the right vehicles, at the right time and frequency, to deliver the most cost-effective services possible,” Brown says.
“Our government is committed to investing in reliable public transport services and technology so that local councils can deliver the services New Zealanders need.”