In New Zealand, public transport usage is highest among young adults (ages 15–24) and residents of the Wellington and Auckland metropolitan areas. According to recent household travel surveys, 15–24 year olds are significantly more likely to use buses and trains than any other age group, often for commuting to secondary schools or universities. Geographically, Wellington has the highest per-capita usage in the country, with nearly two-thirds of its residents using public transport annually due to its compact nature and well-integrated rail network. Gender-wise, women in New Zealand tend to use public transport slightly more than men, particularly for work commutes. In contrast, residents of rural and secondary urban areas (like Waikato or Southland) use it the least, with over 80% of trips being made in private cars. While the "GoPass" and other student initiatives have bolstered numbers among the youth, the overall trend in 2026 shows a slow but steady rebound in usage across all demographics as cities like Auckland expand their "City Rail Link" and improve bus frequency to combat increasing traffic congestion and meet climate targets.