Starting February 2, Auckland commuters will notice changes to their public transport fares, as Auckland Transport (AT) implements a 5.2% fare increase alongside a significant overhaul of the fare zone system. The adjustments aim to simplify the fare structure, reduce the number of zones from 14 to 9, and decouple ferry pricing from the broader public transport network.
While some journeys may become cheaper due to the zone consolidation, most commuters will face higher costs. Bus and train fares will rise by 15 to 25 cents per trip, while ferry fares will increase by 20 cents to $1.40, depending on the route. These changes are part of AT’s annual fare review, designed to address rising operational costs and ensure the sustainability of the city’s public transport system.
Stacey van der Putten, AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, emphasized the necessity of the adjustments. “We understand that fare increases add to the cost of living, which is why these decisions are made carefully,” she said. “However, the costs of running, maintaining, and investing in Auckland’s public transport network are also rising, and we need to keep pace with these changes.”
Van der Putten also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fare adjustments. “During the pandemic, we held off on fare increases for two years despite a sharp rise in operating costs. Now, we’re effectively playing catch-up to ensure the network remains viable.”
AT’s goal is to strike a “fair balance” between the financial contributions of passengers, ratepayers, and taxpayers. “Alongside this annual fare adjustment, we’re exploring ways to boost public transport income from non-fare commercial sources,” van der putten added. “This aligns with government expectations for public transport authorities to increase non-fare revenue and gradually shift more of the operating cost burden to passengers.”
The fare adjustments come at a time when Aucklanders are already grappling with rising living costs. However, AT assures commuters that the changes are essential to maintain and improve the quality of public transport services. The consolidation of fare zones is expected to make the system more user-kind, while the decoupling of ferry pricing aims to reflect the unique operational costs of maritime transport.
As Auckland continues to grow, the need for a reliable and efficient public transport network becomes increasingly critical. these fare changes, while challenging for some, are a step toward ensuring the city’s transport infrastructure can meet future demands. For commuters, the key takeaway is to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with the new fare structure to avoid surprises when traveling after February 2.
Major Changes to Auckland’s Public Transport Fare Zones
In 2016, Auckland introduced a fare zone system, dividing the city into 14 distinct zones.Commuters were charged based on the number of zones they traveled through, rather than the number of trips taken. Fast forward to today,and significant changes are underway to simplify the system and make it more user-friendly.
Consolidation of Fare Zones
The number of fare zones is being reduced from 14 to 9. This consolidation involves merging eight existing zones into three new ones:
- East Coast/south Rodney Zone: Created by combining Helensville, Huapai, Hibiscus Coast, and Upper North Shore zones.
- Northern Manukau Zone: Formed by merging Manukau North and Beachlands zones.
- southern Manukau Zone: Established by uniting Manukau South and Franklin zones.
This restructuring aims to streamline the fare system, making it easier for commuters to understand and navigate.
New Fare Caps and Benefits
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a fare cap. Bus and train users will now only be charged for traveling through a maximum of four zones, even if their journey spans five or more zones. This adjustment is expected to benefit frequent travelers and those living in outer suburbs,who frequently enough face higher costs due to longer commutes.
According to Auckland Transport (AT), “zone consolidation will benefit some customers, while communities living furthest from the city will benefit most from the simplification of the fare table.”
Removal of Off-Peak Discounts
an off-peak discount of 10%, initially introduced to encourage travel during non-peak hours, has been discontinued. AT found that the discount did not achieve the desired impact on managing capacity during peak times.
Self-reliant Ferry Pricing
Ferry services will now operate under a separate pricing structure,independent of the bus and train networks. This change comes as AT struggles to align ferry fares with rising operational costs. By decoupling ferry pricing, AT can adjust fares without affecting bus and train rates, ensuring a more lasting financial model for ferry services.
No Changes to HOP Card Cap
Good news for HOP card users: the $50 seven-day fare cap remains unchanged. This cap applies to bus, train, and inner harbor ferry services, offering consistent savings for regular commuters.
Temporary Train service Suspension
Auckland’s train services are currently suspended due to extensive maintenance work. However, most services are set to resume operations starting january 28, providing relief to commuters who rely on trains for their daily travel.
What This Means for Commuters
These changes reflect AT’s ongoing efforts to improve public transport accessibility and affordability. By simplifying fare zones, introducing caps, and adjusting pricing structures, AT aims to create a more equitable and efficient system for all Aucklanders.
As the city continues to grow,these updates are a step toward ensuring that public transport remains a viable and attractive option for residents and visitors alike.
