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Auckland Transport has redesigned its public transport fare stage system. The new system, called Simpler Fares started for bus and train services on August 14.
Cr John Watson says that the system should leave most bus commuters from the Hibiscus Coast better off. He says that currently most regular bus users commuting to central Auckland from the Hibiscus Coast are probably using the all zone monthly pass (ABC zone) at $250 per month. In the new fare scheme, this is reduced to $200 per month.
At the moment fares from Whangaparaoa Peninsula are broken down into a fare for travel to the bus station and a separate fare for using the Northern Express bus. This is eliminated with the simplified fares – passengers to Auckland will be charged one fare for travelling four zones. Since all of the Hibiscus Coast is one zone, there will be no additional cost for changing buses several times; Cr Watson says this may also reduce parking pressures at the Silverdale park and ride.
He says that, overall, everyone travelling into the city on an all zone pass and everyone who uses cash or HOP cards for their fares should benefit.
Commuters from the Hibiscus Coast to Albany will also be better off because they are only travelling two stages.
Those who are missing out under the new system appear to be the commuters who have previously been able to get a monthly pass for a single zone (such as the whole North Shore) and their commute now takes them through three or more zones.
Cr Watson has been contacted by some people who are in this situation and is keen to find out how many other commuters are similarly affected so that this can be taken up with Auckland Transport.
