Total revamp of Auckland bus network to start this month and include a new interchange
The Hibiscus Coast will become the first district to experience Auckland’s new bus network, with all new express services to the CBD and North Shore introduced this month.
The frequency of existing services will be increased and the popular Northern Express service now extending to Silverdale will make journeys to Auckland city and the North Shore up to 30 minutes faster during off-peak times.
“It’s a bold step to re-design a bus network from the ground up, but we’re confident the new network will deliver an improved public transport system for Auckland overall,” Auckland Transport (AT) general manager Mark Lambert says.
Local buses will run twice as often between Whangaparaoa and Orewa, there will be a new service for Millwater, and new trial services for Arkles Bay and to the Gulf Harbour ferry.
A new Hibiscus Coast Station and park and ride will be also built at Silverdale, with nearly 500 parking spaces.
The new network will operate from interim bus stops at the Hibiscus Coast Station on Painton Road, until the new station is complete.
Services will be scheduled to arrive together and then all depart at the same time, so passengers catching connecting services have a short waiting time.
“As well as running frequent buses at morning and evening peak times for people commuting to and from work, we’re improving services throughout the day and on weekends, to cater for shopping, personal or social trips,” AT bus services manager Brendon Main says.
“We encourage people to find out about how the new network could work for them, and give it a go.”
AT ambassadors around the Hibiscus Coast will assist people in navigating the new services for the first week from October 18.