Public transport discount doubled for Auckland students

In collaboration with Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland Transport (AT) is doubling the public transport discount for tertiary students from 20 percent to 40 percent from 14 December 2025, in a move designed to improve transport affordability for Auckland’s tertiary students and remove barriers to study.

The change follows AT’s 2024 Fare Review and responds to strong calls from students for more affordable travel options. It brings AT’s tertiary discount (the tertiary student concession) in line with the 40 percent discount offered to children aged 5-12 and secondary students.

Councillor Andy Baker, Chairman of Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee, says tens of thousands of Auckland’s tertiary students will benefit from this change immediately.

“There are more than 51,000 students in Auckland who already have this discount loaded on their AT HOP card and who will benefit from cheaper fares overnight when the tertiary discount increases,” he says.

“This change will mean a student regularly travelling two or three zones on public transport will save around $200 to $250 per year.

“Overall, we expect students across Auckland to save about $5 million on their public transport costs because of the increased discount each year.

“This will make a real difference for students and Auckland Transport expects the change will encourage students to take 3.6 million more trips on buses, trains and ferries each year, meaning the change won’t increase costs for ratepayers.”

AT’s Director Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, says the change addresses a long-standing equity gap.

“This reflects what students have told us – public transport fares really do make a difference at a time in their lives when many are having to support themselves financially for the first time. We’re removing barriers to education by making public transport more affordable for students, helping them get where they need to go without the financial strain.”

Auckland University Students’ Association (AUSA) President Gabriel Boyd says: “These changes will allow students to prioritise their education without smashing the piggy bank. It’s an investment which will pay dividends in the present and long into the future.”

“This is a fantastic outcome for our students,” says Julian Bottaro, associate director of commercial services at the University of Auckland. “We have worked closely with Auckland Transport to ensure this initiative reflects the real needs of our student community. It is about more than just transport; it is about enabling students to fully participate in campus life and the wider Auckland experience.”

Increasing the tertiary discount to 40 percent is expected to stimulate up to 3.6 million additional bus, train and ferry trips annually, helping restore tertiary ridership to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Auckland’s tertiary institutions and student representatives are actively supporting the change and will partner with AT to promote uptake in the lead-up to the 2026 academic year. This initiative aligns with AT’s Statement of Intent targets for patronage growth and equity, Auckland Council’s climate and access goals, and national emissions reduction priorities. It also implements a key recommendation from the 2024 Fare Review to simplify fare structures and consolidate concessions at 40 percent.

Learn more about tertiary student concession on the AT website.