11 May 2015

Auckland Transport is making it easier to use public transport

Auckland Transport is making it easier for you to pay for public transport.

To support the new, more connected network of bus and train services Auckland Transport is introducing a Simplified Zone Fare system.

It is also changing the fare products and making it easier to find something that works for you, whether you’re a frequent traveller or a visitor.

General Manager AT Metro Mark Lambert says the current fare stage system is well overdue for an overhaul. “We have to make it attractive, simple to understand and fairer for all.”

Mr Lambert says the current system is complex and can be difficult to understand, especially if you’re not a regular user. It’s also inconsistent and results in different fares for similar trips.

“There are also some anomalies between stages and relatively high fares for longer distances, while short trips are quite cheap.”

Simplified Zone Fares mean that for people using AT HOP cards for bus and train journeys, instead of being charged a separate fare for each ride, the fare will be calculated for the total journey regardless of whether you transfer between different services.

The proposed zone map has 14 zones and boundaries are generally at 10km intervals from the CBD, so that radial trips of similar distance will pay the same fare. Fares will be calculated according to the number of zones travelled through the entire journey and you won’t be penalised for transferring between bus and train services.

Where zone boundaries occur at major interchanges like Newmarket, New Lynn, Otahuhu, Manukau it is proposed that there will be zone overlaps with stops being in both zones.

Mr Lambert says Auckland Transport is also looking at a much simpler set of fare products. “AT HOP card users will have the choice of using the stored value on their card to pay for each journey, or a simple monthly pass that will allow unlimited bus and train travel across all zones. A day pass is also proposed allowing unlimited travel on buses and trains, as well as inner-harbour ferries.”

He says a new Family Weekender pass is also proposed, it would let two children to travel free with each adult using an AT HOP card during weekends and public holidays.

It’s proposed the Single All Day pass for all zones will cost $18. The proposed cost for a Monthly Pass, all zones on buses and trains would be $200 to $210.

At this stage ferry travel will not be included because the different ferry operators offer a range of weekly and monthly passes. “We are continuing to work on how we can bring ferries into the simplified zone fares system but it will take some time.”

Mr Lambert says Auckland Transport wants to hear what you think about the proposed zones and the fare products, consultation is open untilFriday 5 June.

“Once we have finished the consultation and confirmed the zones and fare products, we’re aiming to introduce the new system in the middle of next year.”

Find out more: www.AT.govt.nz/simplifiedzonefares

ENDS

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