ARTA Media Release
2 October 2009

Ticket to ride – ARTA provides more choice for customers

Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), in partnership with its rail operator Veolia, is today introducing a drive to inform rail passengers of the options available to them to pre-purchase tickets before travelling.

ARTA’s General Manager, Customer Services, Mark Lambert says “During the course of the last few months we have introduced a number of measures to provide customers with greater choice as to how and when they buy their tickets.

“We have extended the opening hours at Britomart ticket office, where passengers are able to purchase tickets by cash, eftpos or credit card, and we’re increasing the number of outlets selling tickets to passengers before; an additional 9 agents have been added in the last year alone.

“We’ve made these moves to make it easier and potentially more cost effective for our customers. Commuters may wish to pick up a monthly pass which could work out cheaper than purchasing a standard ticket each day, or other regular users may find a ten-trip ticket is the best option for them.

“To put it in perspective, an adult commuter travelling 6 stages to work and back each day, on an average of 20 days per month, would save over 36% with a monthly pass – a substantial saving

“Longer opening hours mean that passengers who like to avoid queues might want to grab a ticket when it’s a little quieter, during morning tea break, later in the evening or at the weekend. It’s all about personal choice at the end of the day.

“Providing customers with more options is part of an on-going move by ARTA to further improve rail services for Aucklanders. Customers have told us they want to purchase tickets prior to boarding a train and we’ve responded”, says Mr Lambert.

Britomart ticket office is open:

* 6.00am to 9.30pm, Monday to Friday
* 7.00am to 9.30pm, Saturday
* 8.00am to 7.30pm, Sunday and public holidays

To plan your journey by rail or for more information on public transport services, different types of ticket and ticket office opening hours, please visit maxx.co.nz or call (09) 366 6400.

ENDS

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