# Question 75: I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. Which parties address accessible public transport and mobility access, and what would they change?

Collected 2 November 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 8 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/8)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: d79adb1f-99fe-4695-8821-0861d324e8c5

# New Zealand 2026 election: accessible transport and independent living

Your question raises two important but connected issues: being able to get around independently and having the support, housing and services needed to remain independent while renting.

For the 2026 general election, I would compare parties on more than whether they promise accessible buses. The practical questions are:

- Can you board public transport independently, including if you use a wheelchair, walking frame or mobility aid?
- Are buses, trains, stations, stops and footpaths accessible?
- Are wheelchair-accessible taxis and community transport affordable and available?
- Can you access disability support without excessive waiting, cost or administrative barriers?
- Can you remain in your rental home, including if it needs accessibility modifications?

It is also important to distinguish between an announced 2026 election policy, an existing government policy and a party's historical position. They are not necessarily the same.

## 1. Accessible public transport: what the parties would change

This is particularly relevant if you depend on Total Mobility, accessible taxis or public buses to attend appointments, shop, work or participate in your community.

Policies and party positions reported in October 2026.

### Green Party

![Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) on X](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xwoeA3rTn5Pu0UL1uRc6X_g8ADsfUTe55rxQEjXC_rnFR_6TPTr_9eG0LsowNOdFRtax24qB8h-LRfUtZEf42T0CC5OclOZ5katbFJAYxs0cZRyqDBlGNgF_8AV_5WTCbYonGIqLGuK095lLGrkBVw3L8vdsA06tLHVNuCJquuc?purpose=inline)

Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

The Greens have announced several specific transport commitments:

- Restore the Total Mobility taxi subsidy from 65% to 75%.
- Increase the number of accessible mobility vehicles to meet demand.
- Provide free public transport for Total Mobility users.
- Provide free bus and train travel for children, students, apprentices, Community Services Card holders and people aged 25 and under.
- Cap other adult bus and train fares at $2 per journey.
- Introduce enforceable accessibility standards covering transport and public infrastructure.

What this could mean: Lower costs for accessible taxi journeys, better availability of mobility vehicles and stronger legal requirements for accessible transport.

Sources: CCS Disability Action and The D\*List. [Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)[Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[Party policies, simplified: Accessibility](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-accessibility/)

### National Party

![Will National Party Finish 2nd in New Zealand's 2026 Election?](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/LCDs4P76HEgfCayafHeSga8GCw12Vxs2fPc3toeyLUZ-wmb6UiGRZY6bhdT1xRejtICfUd6GX2BWmI76EkpoWuffTU4g32bP_qUJp29rsfn5_Zvj5THHSYTLHSoo_5_YQyZ3zKE1WIpB4bu7raRltFl5TZFCgCcE0quf_GohkFI?purpose=inline)

New Zealand National Party

National has proposed:

- Keeping the Total Mobility subsidy at 65%, rather than restoring it to 75%.
- Developing a national purpose statement for Total Mobility.
- Reviewing provider standards and safeguards.
- Asking officials to develop a national public transport concession for Total Mobility users, potentially including free companion fares.
- Reinvesting Crown savings to address public transport funding shortfalls.

What this could mean: More consistent Total Mobility arrangements and potentially cheaper travel for someone who needs a support person to accompany them. However, the taxi subsidy itself would remain below its former 75% level.

National has also proposed an Auckland public transport safety initiative, although this is geographically specific rather than a nationwide accessibility commitment.

Sources: The D\*List and CCS Disability Action. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)

### Labour Party

![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline)

New Zealand Labour Party

Labour's main announced transport commitment is:

- Cap public transport fares at $20 per week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Cap fares at $10 per week elsewhere in New Zealand.

Labour has not confirmed whether it would restore the Total Mobility subsidy to 75%.

What this could mean: Lower regular public transport expenses, particularly if you use buses or trains frequently. However, the fare cap does not by itself guarantee accessible vehicles, accessible stops or affordable wheelchair taxis.

Source: The D\*List's October 2026 party policy comparison. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)

### Te Pāti Māori

![Te Pāti Māori - Party for Party vote - NZ Election 2023 - Policy.nz](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/wTV9hxAOYzs4MX6hnGtj_ELeSR1VPbP9l046HOwhp2UZZtCfc8KwwZVB0-2n6Iinr3uWiRyM4dEa2cD5LOOtdlAjSgoNQ0gG9QXoJwemLTDmXMMEl5IUWheogu0GzYSG6_D0Qtx7eW7Xz-IH5QOBxQf00r7YeBj1geAzgX4aFok?purpose=inline)

Te Pāti Māori

Its transport commitments include:

- Making public transport free for everyone within five years.
- Ensuring disabled people are among the first groups to receive free public transport if the policy is introduced in stages.
- Embedding accessibility in transport, housing and public spaces.

What this could mean: Reduced or eliminated public transport fares, with disabled passengers prioritised in the rollout. The published commitments are less specific about accessible taxi subsidies, vehicle numbers and implementation standards.

Source: The D\*List. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[Party policies, simplified: Accessibility](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-accessibility/)

### ACT Party

![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GcOzrFkDRkAT5J-3PLntC_t3eT3wuPG52vNnpFJ5xZAm4GrcYnInkkPCmGvxX-xsLbKhD0YWJuWw0gMUfC5fTGhQn818DeGkix5pKa7WUbVIsnjuibMwywV1KW_WLaNJZs2MuIPK7QyoR7pxqUmRZFimxeuxpwyXEYctXwiIwE8?purpose=inline)

ACT New Zealand

ACT has defended the reduction of the Total Mobility subsidy to 65%, arguing that it is necessary to keep the scheme financially sustainable.

It has also said it supports:

- Removing unnecessary barriers to mobility.
- Effective and accessible services.
- Practical accessibility improvements and measurable outcomes.

It has not announced a specific commitment to restore the 75% taxi subsidy or a detailed transport accessibility programme.

What this could mean: The existing subsidy arrangement would continue, with an emphasis on financial sustainability and practical improvements rather than a stated increase in transport assistance.

Source: The D\*List. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[Party policies, simplified: Accessibility](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-accessibility/)

### New Zealand First

![New Zealand legislative election winner? Predictions & Od... 2026 | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UmXClDd76aKEk_XyXfEEacFBHXO18HFMG1Im-weRm7tb64uGzBsRK3vWPXuiFN2zaWaNznb7eSDIJucKOhlXtwb6Lq-BYR6oxisKzHsWTxF5AsiLmtcNGDNtwCsXzgIuSp2vW4pa6pAda-tTriG23zKX1ZuknQ81HGh411pqRkM?purpose=inline)

New Zealand First

Its transport policy focuses on:

- Maintaining and improving the national rail network.
- Improving regional rail connections.
- Removing network bottlenecks.

NZ First has also put forward an Accessibility Standards Bill, intended to incorporate accessibility into new schools, transport hubs and public buildings.

However, it has not provided a clear commitment to increase Total Mobility subsidies or expand accessible taxi availability.

What this could mean: Potential improvements to accessible infrastructure, but less certainty about direct financial help with your everyday transport costs.

Sources: The D\*List and The Spinoff. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Party policies, simplified: Accessibility](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-accessibility/)

### The Opportunities Party (TOP)

![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline)

The Opportunities Party (TOP)

TOP is campaigning for free public transport for everyone.

It also supports:

- More accessible information and communication.
- Services that accommodate different access needs.
- A proposed citizen's income and additional disability allowance, while retaining specific disability support such as transport funding.

TOP did not provide detailed responses to all the transport questions put to parties by The D\*List.

What this could mean: Potentially lower everyday public transport expenses, but you would want clarification on whether free travel would include accessible alternatives such as taxis.

Sources: The D\*List and The Spinoff. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)

## 2. At-a-glance transport comparison

| Party | Total Mobility subsidy | Public transport fares |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Greens | Restore to 75% | Free for Total Mobility users; $2 adult cap |
| National | Retain 65% | Considering a national concession and companion fare |
| Labour | No confirmed increase | $10–$20 weekly cap |
| Te Pāti Māori | No specific increase confirmed | Free for everyone within five years |
| ACT | Retain 65% | No specific fare concession announced |
| NZ First | No specific increase confirmed | Rail network investment |
| TOP | No specific increase confirmed | Free public transport for everyone |

The Total Mobility subsidy is a government contribution towards eligible taxi journeys, not a guarantee that a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is available. A proposed fare concession is also not necessarily the same as free accessible taxi travel.

Source: The D\*List's direct party comparison, October 2026. [Party policies, simplified: Transport](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/)

## 3. Housing and renting: can you remain independent?

Transport is only part of independence. If you rent, the availability of accessible housing, permission to make modifications, affordability and security of tenure can be just as important.

Here is what the parties have indicated.

| Party | Housing commitments relevant to disabled renters |
| --- | --- |
| Greens | Universal design standards for new housing, more accessible public and community housing, and stronger renter protections. |
| Labour | At least 25% of new Kāinga Ora builds to be accessible. |
| Te Pāti Māori | Accessible government housing designed around the needs of different whānau, alongside investment in Māori housing. |
| TOP | More accessible public housing and Building Code reform to encourage accessible homes. |
| National | Housing supply initiatives, but no specific accessible-housing requirement identified. |
| ACT | Market-led housing supply, without a specific accessible-housing standard identified. |
| NZ First | General housing supply and support for older people remaining at home; no clear disability-specific accessible-housing target identified. |

Sources: CCS Disability Action and The D\*List's housing comparison. [Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)[How do parties rate on their disability policies?](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/how-do-parties-rate-on-their-disability-policies/)

Two distinctions matter when you rent:

- An accessible new-build target does not necessarily help you find an accessible private rental immediately.
- A general promise to increase housing supply does not guarantee that homes will have accessible bathrooms, step-free entrances, suitable door widths or enough room to manoeuvre mobility equipment.

The Greens have specifically identified universal design in both public and private housing. Labour has a measurable target for accessible Kāinga Ora construction. Te Pāti Māori has also addressed accessibility in government housing.

The D\*List's October 30 comparison identifies the Greens and Te Pāti Māori as supporting improvements to renter rights or costs, while National does not. Labour's position was recorded as unclear on that particular question. [How do parties rate on their disability policies?](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/how-do-parties-rate-on-their-disability-policies/)[Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)

## 4. Disability support and the ability to live independently

This is another important area to investigate before voting.

You may depend on support for everyday activities, personal care, household tasks, equipment, getting to appointments or managing your home.

The parties have different approaches to disability support funding.

### Green Party

- Supports the Enabling Good Lives approach, which emphasises choice and control.
- Supports more individualised disability funding.
- Wants to reduce administrative barriers to accessing support.
- Supports improved income assistance, including reforming partnered means testing.
- Supports disability rights legislation and enforceable accessibility standards.

The Greens' proposals address both the financial and practical barriers to living independently. [Disability Policies of New Zealand’s Political Parties – 2026](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)

### Labour

Labour has promised to:

- Repeal the Disability Support Services Act 2026.
- Develop replacement legislation in partnership with disabled people, carers and disability organisations.
- Require government agencies to produce Enabling Good Lives impact assessments and targets.
- End annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities.
- Amend the Human Rights Act to recognise denial of reasonable accommodation as discrimination.

For someone relying on ongoing support, the benefit-renewal commitment and proposed changes to disability legislation are particularly relevant. [Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)[Party policies, simplified: Disability policy](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-disability-policy/)

### National

National's approach has focused on:

- Financial stability of disability support services.
- More consistent assessment and allocation nationally.
- Some restoration of flexibility in individualised funding.
- Continued investment in disability support services.

National has not published a comprehensive standalone disability manifesto for this election.

An important distinction is that National's existing government decisions and funding commitments are not all new election promises. [Disability Policies of New Zealand’s Political Parties – 2026](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)

### ACT

ACT emphasises:

- Individual choice and control over funding.
- Reducing bureaucracy.
- More direct, individualised funding arrangements.
- Financial accountability and smaller government.

It has not set out a comprehensive disability rights or accessible-housing programme for 2026. [Disability Policies of New Zealand’s Political Parties – 2026](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/)[Party policies, simplified: Accessibility](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-accessibility/)

### Te Pāti Māori

Te Pāti Māori places emphasis on:

- Māori-led disability support services.
- Self-determination and choice for tāngata whaikaha Māori.
- Accessible housing and community participation.
- Disability support that recognises the needs of whānau.

Its approach is based on the principle that disabled people should have control over decisions affecting their lives. [Disability Policies of New Zealand’s Political Parties – 2026](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/)[Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)

### New Zealand First

NZ First has not published a comprehensive standalone disability support programme for this election. Its disability-related commitments are less detailed than those of parties with specific disability platforms. [Disability Policies of New Zealand’s Political Parties – 2026](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)

### TOP

TOP proposes wider income reform through a citizen's income and a separate disability allowance, with additional needs-based assistance.

It has also proposed a 'Tell Us Once' system, so people with ongoing support needs do not have to repeatedly provide the same information or undergo unnecessary assessments.

Its proposals are relevant to financial independence and reducing administrative difficulties, although you should check how existing disability-specific payments and entitlements would transition under its proposed system. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Election 2026: Political Parties Policy Analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026)

## 5. The issues I would check particularly carefully

For your circumstances, these are useful questions to put to every candidate, regardless of party.

| Issue | What to ask candidates |
| --- | --- |
| Accessible taxis | Will you restore or increase the Total Mobility subsidy? |
| Vehicle availability | How will you ensure accessible taxis are available when needed, including outside major centres? |
| Public transport | Will buses, stops, stations and travel information have enforceable accessibility requirements? |
| Companions | Will a support person be able to travel free with someone who needs assistance? |
| Rental housing | Will you increase accessible private and public rental housing? |
| Home modifications | Will renters be able to get necessary accessibility modifications without unreasonable delays or costs? |
| Support services | Will you protect individualised funding and continuity of essential support? |
| Income | Will disability-related costs be adequately recognised in benefit and income support arrangements? |

One particularly important question is whether a party's transport policy covers people who cannot use an ordinary bus or train at all. A cheap bus fare is not much help if you cannot board the bus.

## 6. What the differences mean for your circumstances

Here is a neutral way to organise the policies around the things that affect independent living.

| Your priority | Party commitments to examine |
| --- | --- |
| Lower accessible taxi costs | Greens' 75% Total Mobility subsidy proposal |
| More accessible transport options | Greens' mobility vehicle expansion and accessibility standards |
| Lower everyday bus and train costs | Greens, Labour, Te Pāti Māori and TOP |
| Free companion travel | National's proposed national concession |
| Accessible rental housing | Greens, Labour, Te Pāti Māori and TOP |
| Stronger legal accessibility rights | Greens, Labour, Te Pāti Māori and TOP |
| Greater control over disability support | Greens, Labour, ACT and Te Pāti Māori |
| Less repetitive disability assessments | TOP and Labour |
| More adequate disability income | Greens and TOP, with different income-reform models |

These are areas of policy emphasis, not an overall ranking of parties. Some commitments are more developed than others, and some remain proposals without detailed implementation plans.

## 7. Where to check the policies before voting

I recommend looking at disability-led organisations' election resources, rather than relying exclusively on party advertising.

- [CCS Disability Action – Election 2026 policy analysis](https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/news/policy-analysis-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Covers accessibility, transport, housing and disability support.
- [The D\*List – Simplified transport policies](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/party-policies-simplified-transport/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Particularly useful for comparing Total Mobility and public transport fares.
- [The D\*List – Disability policy comparison](https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/how-do-parties-rate-on-their-disability-policies/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Covers housing, disability rights and support.
- [Disabled Persons Assembly – 2026 disability election scorecard](https://www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-information/latest-news/disability-scorecard-for-2026-general-election/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). A disability-community resource examining commitments across parties.
- [Disability Responsiveness New Zealand – Party policy report](https://drnz.co.nz/disability-policies-of-new-zealands-political-parties-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). A broader party-by-party analysis.

The election is scheduled for 7 November 2026, so check for policy updates before casting your vote.

## My suggested next step: assess the practical impact

I would encourage you to judge each party against one central question:

Will its policies make it easier for me to afford, access and maintain the support and housing I need to live independently, without having to rely on other people unnecessarily?

Three particularly important things to investigate are:

1. Whether you could afford to travel to essential appointments and activities.
2. Whether suitable rental housing would be available if you had to move.
3. Whether your disability support and funding would remain reliable and flexible.

Those questions go beyond political promises and focus on what changes you might actually experience in everyday life.

You deserve to be able to participate in your community, make your own decisions and live independently, regardless of your mobility impairment.

## Gemini

Answer ID: 6b9a14d9-a6aa-42b4-ab50-4a312f1f04e7

When considering your vote in the New Zealand general election from the perspective of independent living, mobility access, and accessible public transport, different political parties present distinct frameworks and proposed changes. 

A summary of how the major and prominent parties approach mobility access, transport infrastructure, and disability rights outlines what they intend to change:

---

### **Green Party**
* **Public Transport Approach:** Proposes that urban public transport be **entirely fare-free**, starting specifically with the disabled community. 
* **Mobility & Infrastructure:** Advocates that public transport and mobility infrastructure be **co-designed with the disabled community**, focusing targeted investments in both deprived urban and rural areas. 
* **National Schemes:** Proposes the development of a **comprehensive national mobility scheme** supported by infrastructure that meets universal accessibility standards. 

### **Labour Party**
* **Public Transport Approach:** Focuses on fare affordability and consistency through regional mechanisms. Their policy platforms generally emphasize public transport network funding, building on previous expansions of half-price concessions and targeted community transport cards (such as Community Connect).
* **Housing and Support:** Emphasizes rolling out and embedding the **Enabling Good Lives** approach across disability support services and increasing the stock of accessible public housing. 

### **Te Pāti Māori**
* **Accessibility and Transport:** Advocates for an explicit rights-based approach, stating that public services, housing, and transport infrastructure must be fully accessible. 
* **Core Changes:** Emphasizes that decisions affecting *whānau hauā* (disabled Māori) and the wider disabled community must be co-designed and led by disabled people themselves ("nothing about us without us"). They also support ending minimum-wage exemptions for disabled workers to improve financial security.

### **New Zealand First**
* **Built Environment & Standards:** While they do not have an extensive standalone disability manifesto, New Zealand First has historically supported regulatory measures for accessibility. Notably, they have advanced legislative efforts like the **Accessibility Standards Bill** (via the parliamentary ballot/private member’s bill process) aimed at setting binding regulations for accessibility in the built and digital environments.

### **National Party / ACT New Zealand**
* **Approach:** While National and ACT generally do not feature dedicated, standalone disability manifestos, their policy focus regarding transport centers primarily on core roading infrastructure, economic management, and fiscal restraint. 
* **Funding Context:** Central government settings recently adjusted transport and funding schemes (such as ongoing framework adjustments to the **Total Mobility scheme**), with center-right parties generally prioritizing economic efficiency, localized council delivery, and targeted support rather than sweeping universal free fare structures.

---

### **Key Considerations for Your Independent Living:**
As you weigh your options, you may want to look closely at:
1. **Transport Subsidies vs. Universal Access:** Whether you prefer parties pushing for free/heavily discounted public transport (like the Greens) versus those focusing on structural funding adjustments.
2. **Enforceable Standards:** Whether a party backs legally binding accessibility standards (such as an Accessibility Act or framework bills championed by smaller parties and advocacy groups like the Access Alliance) to ensure public spaces, rental housing, and transport fleets are legally required to be accessible.

Are there specific aspects of independent living—such as tenancy rights for renters, funding for in-home support, or local versus national transport services—that will weigh most heavily in your decision?

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 84880b75-4c4e-447b-a6c7-03a080725897

For the 2026 New Zealand general election, several political parties have put forward distinct proposals addressing accessible public transport, the Total Mobility Scheme, and broader independence and housing support for disabled New Zealanders.

An overview of what key parties propose to change regarding public transport and mobility access highlights these distinct approaches:

**The Green Party**

 * **Public Transport & Total Mobility:** Pledges to restore the Total Mobility Scheme subsidy to 75%. Pledges to make public transport free for Total Mobility users (alongside children, students, apprentices, and Community Service Card holders), while capping bus and train fares at $2 for everyone else.

 * **Broader Accessibility:** Opposed the recent Disability Support Services Act and has pledged to introduce comprehensive disability rights legislation based on Te Tiriti with legally enforceable accessibility standards.

**Labour Party**

 * **Public Transport & Total Mobility:** Plans to introduce a national purpose statement and fare concessions for Total Mobility users, including free companion fares and standardized provider reviews via NZTA. Also proposes weekly caps on public transport costs nationwide.

 * **Broader Independence & Housing:** Aims to overhaul the Disability Support Services Act, legally enforce "reasonable accommodations," eliminate annual benefit renewals for permanent disabilities, and ensure 25% of new Kāinga Ora builds are fully accessible.

**Te Pāti Māori**

 * **Public Transport & Total Mobility:** Proposes a phased rollout to make public transport free for everyone within five years, prioritizing disabled individuals in the initial stages.

 * **Broader Accessibility:** Seeks to expand the _Enabling Good Lives_ framework with localized funding and improved accessibility.

**ACT New Zealand**

 * **Public Transport & Total Mobility:** Supports maintaining the Total Mobility Scheme subsidy at 65% and focuses on fiscal sustainability alongside removing regulatory barriers.

 * **Broader Accessibility:** Backs individualized support structures via the Disability Support Services Act.

**National Party (Incumbent)**

 * **Public Transport & Total Mobility:** Maintains existing transport settings while rolling out the New Zealand Disability Strategy (2026–2030).

 * **Broader Accessibility:** Focuses on the implementation and administration of the recently passed Disability Support Services legislation.

* * *

 _You can review detailed breakdowns of party platforms and community-specific analyses on platforms likeThe D*List, or check individual party manifestos directly._

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: d73be5a2-318d-40b4-b673-431436369ac7

Major New Zealand political parties approach accessible public transport, housing, and disability support differently ahead of the 2026 general election:

**Key Party Positions and Proposed Changes**

 * **Green Party**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Advocates for free public transport for Total Mobility cardholders, students, and children, plus a $2 fare cap for other passengers. They support restoring the Total Mobility scheme subsidy back to 75% and setting firm, enforceable timelines to make all public transport and infrastructure fully accessible.
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Supports minimum accessibility targets (such as 15% accessible social housing new builds) and introducing a Te Tiriti-based disability rights law with enforceable accessibility standards.

 * **Labour Party**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Proposes a nationwide public transport fare cap ($20 a week in major centers like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; $10 elsewhere).
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Pledges to require at least 25% of new Kāinga Ora builds to be accessible, end annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities, and repeal/redraft disability legislation in co-design with disabled people. They also plan to amend the Human Rights Act to explicitly define reasonable accommodation.

 * **National Party (Current Government)**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Focuses on structural updates to the Total Mobility Scheme—including a new national purpose statement, a review of wheelchair-accessible vehicle per-trip payments by Waka Kotahi, and exploring free companion fares for Total Mobility users. They have not committed to universal free public transport or a 75% Total Mobility subsidy.
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Relies on the refreshed _Disability Strategy 2026–2030_ and _NZSL Strategy 2026–2036_ , focusing on financial stabilization and choice in support funding, rather than introducing legally enforceable accessibility mandates for private or public builds.

 * **Te Pāti Māori**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Supports working toward free public transport for everyone (prioritizing disabled people in a staged rollout) and returning the Total Mobility subsidy to 75%.
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Advocates for a Māori-led authority to oversee disability services, removing access barriers across housing and health, and ensuring disability support is not siloed from wider social and income support.

 * **ACT New Zealand**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Does not support free or heavily subsidized public transport or mandated accessibility quotas, focusing instead on general economic management and market-driven approaches.
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Opposes new binding accessibility legislation or mandatory accessibility quotas for housing.

 * **The Opportunities Party (TOP)**
 * **Transport & Mobility:** Supports free or reduced-cost public transport options.
 * **Housing & Independent Living:** Proposes a universal basic income alongside a $6,000 annual universal disability allowance to help cover independent living and extra costs.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

 * Which region or city you live in (as local council-run public transport varies)
 * Whether **housing security** or **daily transport/taxis** is your top priority for your vote