The Government's looking at ways to make public transport more affordable for people on low incomes.
Next week's Budget will include "funding to investigate a scheme to reduce the costs of public transport for Community Services Card holders".
"This scheme would make public transport easier to use and reduce costs for low-income families," said Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.
"For too many people transport costs are a real barrier to everyday activities like going to the doctor, taking the kids to school, or visiting friends and family.
"Making trains and buses more affordable for those who need it will help to ensure all New Zealanders have the opportunity to be earning, learning, caring or volunteering."
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Next week's Budget will put $4.6 million towards implementing whatever scheme they come up with. Just how the scheme will be funded, considering the potential loss of fare income, is "still being explored".
"This scheme reflects the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Green Party and the Labour Party to investigate a Green Transport Card," said Genter. "I'm excited to be leading this important work to make this scheme a reality."
Auckland Transport recently spent $1.1 million on cutting transport costs, including making fares free for kids on weekends.
Around 900,000 Kiwis have a Community Services Card.
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