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NZ zones simplified

A new fare zone-based public transport system in Auckland aims to make fares simpler

Auckland Transport will introduce a new zone-based public transport system to make fares simpler.

The new, Simpler Fares system for all bus and train services starts on August 14 2016,  but excludes SkyBus services. 

The new zone map has 13 zones, and fares will be calculated according to the number of zones travelled through for the entire journey.

Public transport commercial manager Colin Homan says this is a significant change to bus and train fares in Auckland.

“It’s much easier for people to work out their fare before they travel.”

He says colour coded zones along with a new fare table make it simpler to work out cash or AT HOP fares no matter which buses or trains you take.

“Simply add up the number of zones you are traveling through and use the fare table to work out your fare.”

With an AT HOP card it’s even simpler for bus and train journeys, with a single fare being charged for each journey, even if you take several buses or trains to get to your destination.

This will become increasingly important as Auckland Transport rolls out the New Network for public transport over the next two years, beginning with south Auckland later this year. 

Homan says with an AT HOP card commuters will pay for one entire journey from A to B, instead of paying for each bus or train separately.

“Tag on and off each bus and train as you do now, and at the end of your journey you will be charged a single fare,” he says.

“During a journey you can use up to five buses or trains within four hours, with up to 30 minutes transfer time between each trip.

“The new system means you can take the fastest or most convenient option without paying more for doing so by using an AT HOP card.”

An AT HOP child weekend fare is also being introduced, to make weekend family outings more affordable by public transport, along with changes to the AT HOP day pass and three new ferry monthly passes.

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