The Public Transport Forum New Zealand is delighted with the [free fares for under 13s](https://budget.govt.nz/budget/pdfs/releases/r5-wood-targeting-transport-costs-free-public-transport-for-children.pdf) and half prices fares for under 25s announced in the Budget this week.
This makes day to day travel more affordable for younger travellers and their families. It also helps decarbonise New Zealand as it reduces the financial motivation to get a car. We have supported [this idea](https://www.publictransportforum.nz/initiatives) for some time.
Other good news for public transport funding in the Budget:
\- Funding to help councils reinstate [cancelled services](https://budget.govt.nz/budget/pdfs/releases/r5-wood-targeting-transport-costs-free-public-transport-for-children.pdf)
\- [18 new regional trains](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-green-lights-lower-north-island-rail) for the Wellington Region (pre- Budget announcement)
\- Funding to Kiwirail for a business [case](https://budget.govt.nz/budget/pdfs/summary-initiatives/b23-wellbeing-budget-soi.pdf) to electrify the rest of the main trunk line. (see p 41)
