Northern Pass a great leap forward

January 31, 2008

North Shore City Council has thrown its support behind the new Northern Pass ticket for bus services using the Northern Busway.

“This new transferable ticket that allows people to change buses without paying more will be critical to the success of the Northern Busway, which opens this weekend,” North Shore City’s Mayor, Andrew Williams, says.

“We would like to congratulate the Auckland Regional Transport Authority for introducing the Northern Pass in time for the busway opening.”

Public transport users on the North Shore will be the first in Auckland to enjoy transferable ticketing – a system that will be rolled out in future across the region.

“Even changing services between different operators will be fine with a Northern Pass. It is the first time Auckland bus users have had this option, and they can choose between a two-hour, one day or weekly pass,” Mayor Williams says.

“Weekly passes will be available on the Northern Express services, or at ticket outlets such as the busway stations, university campuses, bus depots, Westfield Shore City and selected dairies and shops. Two-hour or one day passes can be purchased on the bus.

“And if your old ticket still suits you, you can continue as before, with all the regular tickets still available.”

Mayor Williams says the transferable ticket will encourage more people to catch buses in their neighbourhood to reach the busway. “It will definitely help get more people onto public transport and make us less reliant on cars.”

The Northern Busway is a joint project between North Shore City Council, Transit New Zealand, Auckland Regional Transport Authority and Auckland City Council.

“All the partners have been working closely to ensure the Northern Busway delivers a truly world-class public transport system to the North Shore, and as part of a regional transport network” Mayor Williams says.

“We will continue to work alongside ARTA after the official opening this weekend to monitor the new services and community feedback. Fine-tuning will be necessary to ensure the best use of the busway, and this process has already begun.

“I would like to encourage every driver who lives in North Shore City - or anywhere else in Auckland - to leave their cars at home and give the busway a try.”

(ends)

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