Auckland Transport Media Release

April 27, 2011

Auckland's Public Transport usage hits 7 million journeys in March

For the first time in decades public transport usage exceeded 7 million passenger journeys in a single month and for the first time ever, more than one million passengers boarded a train in March.

The new rail figures are included in Auckland Transport's patronage report, released today. It reports a total overall increase in public transport passenger numbers, reaching 64.5 million in the 12 months to the end of March an increase of 8.3 per cent on last year.

Highlights include:

• Rail monthly patronage for March is 1,117,781 up 21.8 per cent on March 2010.

• March monthly patronage was 7,067,239, an increase of 506,025 boardings or 7.7 per cent on March 2010.

• Auckland public transport patronage totalled 64,581,631 passengers for the 12 months to March 2011 an increase of 4,971,450 boardings or 83 per cent.

• Northern Express bus service carried 1.99 million passengers for the 12 months with a growth in March 2011 compared to March 2010 of 10.7 per cent.

Auckland Transport Chief Executive David Warburton says the delivery of quality facilities and reliable services along with the return of students to tertiary study and rising petrol costs continues to push patronage growth to record levels.

"These numbers continue to show spectacular growth in public transport usage proving that there is no doubt Aucklanders want more quality public transport services. Auckland Transport is responding to this requirement from the market through a number of initiatives. Some of these include:

On Hibiscus Coast bus routes including 893, 895 and 897 larger vehicles have been moved to areas of greatest need. Phase one of the Silverdale Park and Ride will be complete by the middle of the year.

On route 881 from Long Bay to Newmarket, two additional services will be added to cope with peak hour capacity issues.

On the Northern Express route more buses will be during peak hours and night time services extended to alleviate overcrowding and get people moving faster

On Onewa Road and on the route to Botany, extra capacity has been provided on a temporary basis while a permanent solution is investigated.

On Mt Eden Road and Dominion Road, extras buses are being brought on to those routes in the morning and afternoon peaks.

On the Southern and Eastern train lines, four additional carriages are being added and five car trains will operate from the end of next month.

"Auckland Transport along with KiwiRail continues to invest in rail with a programme to extend all platforms to accommodate six-car trains scheduled for completion by end-May 2011. Two final tenderers have also been selected by KiwiRail for Auckland's new electric train fleet, due to arrive in 2013", said Dr Warburton.

The Mayor has congratulated Auckland Transport and its partners for its response to the continuing growth in patronage.

"A viable public transport system is key to my vision of Auckland as the world's most liveable city and demand will undoubtedly continue to grow as electrification and integrated ticketing take hold.

"However the real solution to this increased demand and to fixing Auckland transport system is our major transport projects like the Auckland Rail Tunnel".

During March and early April, Auckland Transport sought public feedback on its proposal to redesign bus services in the CBD and surrounding suburbs to make them quicker and easier to use. More than 1100 responses were received. Feedback is being reviewed and final decisions are expected to be known by July 2011.

ENDS

About Auckland Transport

Auckland Transport is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of Auckland Council. It is responsible for all of the region's transport services (excluding state highways) - from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.

Among its main tasks are:

§ To design, build and maintain Auckland's roads, ferry wharves, cycleways and walkways.

§ Co-ordinate road safety and community transport initiatives such as school travel

§ Plan and fund bus, train and ferry services across Auckland.

For more information go to www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz.

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