Auckland Student Associations Campaign for 50% Tertiary Concessions
Student associations across Auckland have joined forces, calling on Auckland Transport to increase tertiary concessions to 50%.
Are you sick of breaking the bank every time you get a bus to university? Do you sometimes sit and reminisce like an elderly person on the good old days when tagging on to public transport cost 50 cents?
Public transport has become a nightmare. Not only are buses late and cancelled without warning, but now the ones that do show up take a good $10-$20 out of your card. At the backlash, Auckland Transport introduced a $50 weekly cap, but depending on how far you live, this still isn't enough.
But fear not fellow students, for the student association Avengers have assembled! AUTSA, AUSA, and USC have joined forces to campaign and call on Auckland Transport to increase tertiary concessions.
The 'Fair Fares' campaign launched by these student associations calls for tertiary concessions to be raised to 50%. Currently, the tertiary concession sits at a measly 20%, the lowest discount offered. In comparison, children and high school students get a 40% discount, while senior citizens don't have to pay anything. The only group being offered a full 50% discount are those who have Community Services cards.
In this cost of living crisis that Kiwis are enduring, every cent counts for university students, many of whom are living on tight budgets in order to be able to afford both rent, food, and other necessities. AUTSA President Alicia Lemmer shared that she's spoken to student's who have chosen to stay home and watch lectures, as the bus fare to university could jeopardise their ability to afford food that week.
AUSA President Gabriel Boyd also touched on a crucial detail, pointing out that if Auckland want's to create a "bustling student culture,", the first step would be to make sure that students can actually travel around the city.
Since it's launch, their petition has reached nearly 3800 signatures. Students around Auckland are speaking up. Will Auckland Transport listen?
Sign the petition here:
