Gulf Harbour ferry sailings to increase

Good news for residents and visitors to Gulf Harbour as the number of ferry sailings each day between Gulf Harbour and Auckland is increasing to 12.

During peak times sailings will increase from two to three with another two sailings each way in the middle of the day, which could appeal to workers and students alike. There are now shopping and visiting options for those not needing to travel at peak times.

The draft timetable is the result of feedback AT has received about improving services to Gulf Harbour. We want to hear from both current and potential users if these sailing times are right for them.

The new timetable could start next month subject to consultation. Consultation closes Sunday 29 June.

To view the proposed timetable and give feedback go online to www.AT.govt.nz/gulfharbourferry

Hibiscus Coast consultation opens 14 July

Here are the dates to book in your calendar.

We have a series of events where you can come along and speak to an Auckland Transport representative and find out more about the changes and how they may affect you.

For the older members of the community we are hosting a special Seniors Information Session onWednesday 23rd of July at the Orewa Community Hall, from 10am to 12pm.

The presentation starts at 10.30am. To book a seat for the Seniors Session phone (09) 366 6400 or 0800 10 30 80 or by email.

For the other events below no reservation is required. Just turn up on the day.
Date Location Time
Sunday 20 July Orewa Farmers Market, Cnr Hibiscus Coast Highway & Florence Ave, Orewa 8.00am - 12.30pm
Wednesday 23 July Orewa Public Information Afternoon, Orewa Community Centre, 368 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 2.00pm - 7.00pm
Saturday 26 July Silverdale Public Informaton Day, St Johns Ambulance Hall, 36 Silverdale Street, Silverdale 8.00am - 1.00pm
Saturday 26 July Whangaparaoa Library Drop in Day, 9 Main St, Whangaparaoa 10.00am - 1.30pm
Sunday 27 July Hobbs Wharf Markets, The Anchorage, off Pinecrest Dr, Gulf Harbour 10.00am - 2.00pm
Wednesday 6 August Whangaparaoa Night Markets, Whangaparaoa Plaza Carpark, 719 Whangaparaoa Rd 5.00pm - 11.00pm
Saturday 9 August Orewa Library Drop in Day, 12 Moana Ave, Orewa 10.00am - 2.30pm

Health benefits of public transport

Choosing to catch the bus, train or ferry guarantees a daily dose of physical exercise, contributes to improved air quality, and can reduce your stress levels. People who commute by public transport get on average over three times the amount of physical activity per day of those who don’t.

• Improved general health and fitness – The Ministry of Health recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day (see MOH article), but says that with just 10 minutes of brisk walking a number of health benefits are achieved. Regular walking to the bus, train or ferry may contribute to a lower risk for many serious diseases, such as: heart and vascular diseases, diabetes, and depression.

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• Lowered obesity – Regular exercise to catch public transport encourages healthy weight loss and can prevent obesity, studies say. A recent survey in the U.S. has shown that by taking public transport instead of the car an average person loses at least 3kg in a year (see Telegraph article).

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• Reduced stress levels:
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Accessing public transport usually involves physical exercise which is proven to reduce stress by stimulating the production of endorphins, and reducing the body’s stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol (see Harvard Health Publication).

Public transport can also be a less stressful choice than driving because it removes the stress of searching for a car park or negotiating heavy traffic.

Commuting can increase leisure time during the journey, allowing for relaxing activities such as reading, socialising or catching up on emails.

• Reduced carbon emissions improve air quality – taking public transport reduces the emission of hydrocarbons, which are a primary cause of smog and nitrous oxides, and can cause respiratory diseases. One bus full of passengers is equivalent to taking approximately 33 cars off the road. 345 low emission buses were added to the Auckland bus fleet in the last three years.

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• A safer option – studies on fatal and non-fatal accident statistics have shown that travelling by bus is the safest mode of transport compared to travelling by car. Bus related accidents have one-twentieth the passenger fatality rates of car accidents (see Oxford Journal article).

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• Cost savings – Commuting avoids the cost of petrol and parking and can often be cheaper than travelling by car, leaving more money for other things, such as lifestyle, family, health or wellbeing.

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• Increased mobility – Public transport can enable access to doctor’s appointments, hospitals, or social and recreational activities which can contribute to improved health, and would otherwise not be accessible for people who don’t own a car.

About the New Network

Over the next few years Auckland Transport is moving to a simpler and more integrated public transport network for Auckland. This will deliver a New Network of buses and trains that will change the way people travel – including the need for some passengers to transfer at key interchanges. In return the New Network will allow more passengers to simply ‘turn up and go’ rather than planning trips around a timetable. It will offer flexible travel options over large parts of the city, making public transport more useful for a range of travel purposes.

Due to the scale of change the New Network is being implemented in phases.

Do you have questions about the New Network? For detailed information go to our website, or watch the video for an overview. You can call Auckland Transport on (09) 366 6400.

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