The Government is making life harder and more expensive for disabled New Zealanders by slashing discounted transport fares during a cost-of-living crisis.


“Under Christopher Luxon, disabled Kiwis will now pay more just to get to work, attend health appointments, or see loved ones,” Labour’s disability issues spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan said. 

 
“Slashing subsidised transport at a time when people are already struggling is out of touch especially from a government that promised to ease the cost-of-living and has instead made it worse. 

 
“Disability communities feel betrayed. First came the overnight cut to flexible funding. Then restrictions on residential care with no warning. Then Whaikaha was gutted and disability support shifted to the Ministry of Social Development.Now, the transport subsidy many rely on to live independently has been cut. 

 
“For many disabled Kiwis, affordable transport isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a lifeline. It means independence, dignity, and the ability to participate in everyday life and that’s why Labour increased the subsidy in government. This latest change is taking us backwards. 

 
“Disability communities are still hurting from these damaging changes and are exhausted from having decisions made about them, without them,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.