AT doubles tertiary discount to 40% to support students AT doubles tertiary discount to 40% to support students
Date: 28 November 2025
Auckland Transport (AT) is doubling the public transport discount for tertiary students from 20 per cent to 40 per cent 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.
This change brings AT’s tertiary discount (the tertiary student concession) in line with the 40 per cent discount offered to children aged 5-12 and secondary students.
Councillor Andy Baker, the 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,” Councillor Baker 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 to 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.”
Change welcomed by students and universities
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.”
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Auckland University of Technology Student Association (AUTSA) President, Alicia Lemmer, says:
"It's great to see that Auckland Transport has recognised the significant impact the cost of transport is having on students.
"I know many students will be relieved to hear this and be happy about the financial relief it will provide. The money students are saving will add up and will be able to help pay for an extra weeks’ rent or even help a student afford an extra few bus trips to get to class.
“The strong student support shown through the Fair Fares Campaign highlights just how significant this change will be for learners across Tāmaki Makaurau.
“I’m pleased that Auckland Transport have recognised the gap and doubled the concession for tertiary students."
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AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Amy Malcolm, says affordable and equitable fares are essential to increasing public transport use and removing barriers to education.
“AUT has been a strong and public advocate for greater affordability and equity in student fares, and we welcome AT’s decision to double the tertiary discount. This is an important step toward removing one of the most persistent barriers to social mobility and inclusion: access to educational opportunities.
“Crucially, it will also help reduce the financial disadvantage faced by students from some lower socio-economic communities who live farther from the CBD. Longer and more expensive commutes not only strain already-tight budgets — they also reduce the time students can dedicate to part-time or casual work, presenting a double disadvantage. This change directly supports their ability to learn, participate and thrive.”
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“This is a fantastic outcome for our students,” said 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.”
Increased discount expected to generate millions more public transport trips
Increasing the tertiary discount to 40 per cent is expected to stimulate up to 3.6 million additional bus, train and ferry trips annually, helping restore tertiary ridership to 80 per cent 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 per cent.