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Following on from Research Note 009, published November 2022, results from an additional three months of research (August to October 2022) continue the previous patterns.

While public transport use has not yet recovered to pre-COVID levels, the increased patronage from half price fares represents a third of all current public transport users.

New journeys taken because of half price fares are most likely to be work commutes. Those benefitting the most from half price fares are already well served by public transport and in city centres especially Auckland and Wellington. Those aged under 35 years, higher income households and Asian ethnicities also showed higher uptake of new journeys, but these groups are also concentrated in city centres and therefore better served by public transport.

Many with a high level of public transport need (those with disabilities or those with no access to a car) took advantage of half price fares as they often live near to existing networks.Two thirds of those switching or making new journeys on public transport because of half price fares were also influenced due to cost of living concerns.

Public transport is now seen as significantly more affordable and better value.

Keywords:
half-price, mode shift, patronage, public transport

Authors:
Tom Magill – Ipsos
Carol Christie – Waka Kotahi
Sandy Fong – Waka Kotahi

Related report

Research Note 009 Impact of half price public transport fares – a research note