Labour will make it cheaper for New Zealanders to catch the bus or train, by capping weekly fares at just $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 a week everywhere else in New Zealand.

"Our fare cap is a major cost-of-living commitment designed to put money back into the pockets of commuters, students and families," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

"New Zealanders will be able to use public transport as much as they want all week for only $20 in our major cities and just $10 everywhere else - keeping more money in their back pockets. 

"From 1 July 2027 under a Labour Government, once a commuter has reached their fare cap, every additional trip that week is free.

"Cheaper fares mean more freedom, freedom to get to work, freedom to study, freedom to attend appointments and freedom to spend time with family and friends without worrying about the cost.

"This is real cost-of-living relief. It means cheaper commutes, more money left at the end of the week, and a public transport system that works for everyone,” Chris Hipkins said.

"Public transport should help people get ahead, not become a luxury people get priced out of,” Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

"Families deserve certainty. Under Labour's weekly fare cap, people will know exactly what the maximum cost of getting around will be each week.

"We want people catching buses, trains and ferries more often because that means lower household transport costs, less congestion on our roads and stronger public transport networks.

“Labour's weekly fare cap will ensure New Zealanders can travel with confidence, knowing affordable public transport is there when they need it,” Tangi Utikere said.