Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland Regional Council is making it easy for people to leave the car at home this World Car Free Day, with free travel on all CityLink, SchoolLink and BusLink services on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
The one-day offer applies to all CityLink and SchoolLink Whangārei services, as well as BusLink services that run on Tuesday 22 September; Far North Link (Mangonui-Kaitaia and Kaitaia services), Hokianga Link, Mid North Link and Hikurangi Link.
The offer is designed to encourage Northlanders to try public transport, reduce short car trips where they can, and experience how the region’s bus network can support everyday journeys.
World Car Free Day is marked internationally on 22 September and encourages people to consider more sustainable ways to travel, including catching the bus, walking, cycling, scooting or car-pooling. The day highlights the environmental benefits of reducing private vehicle use, including lower emissions and cleaner air.
Regional Transport Committee Chair Joe Carr says the free fares give people who don’t usually catch the bus a great opportunity to give it a try.
“Every bus trip means fewer cars on our roads, and that has real benefits for our environment, our air quality and our communities,” Cr Carr says.
“Public transport is also about connection.” “For many people, our buses are a vital link to work, study, appointments, shops, friends and whānau. World Car Free Day is a great reminder that when we support and use public transport, we are helping keep Northland communities connected.”
Councillor Carr says the free-fares initiative is part of NRCs ongoing work to provide affordable public buses for people across Taitokerau. Whether people use the bus often, occasionally, or have never been on board before, Tuesday 22 September is an opportunity to try a different way of getting around.
Passengers can plan their trip and check timetables at https://buslink.co.nz/ or follow CityLink Whangārei on Facebook for local updates.