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SKYBUS AND UBER UNITE FOR NEW ZEALAND TRIAL

A UNIQUE integrated first-mile/last mile (FMLM) airport express three-month trial for North Auckland is planned to launch on August 14, 2019, Skybus and Uber have announced.

The two transport companies will link up in the trial to deliver the first dedicated ‘front door to airport’ service for Auckland’s North Shore residents, Skybus states. 

The trial – the result of six months of collaboration – leverages Uber’s intuitive platform with the fastest and most affordable transit service into Auckland, Skybus claims. 

According to the proponents, it will benefit those living within Albany, Milford and Takapuna areas. Utilising express bus lanes and the accessibility of Uber this trial will, “…uniquely provide convenience and cost-effective solutions for North Harbour residents in their choice of Airport transit.”

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During the trial, passengers purchasing an adult or family Skybus North Harbour Express ticket online will unlock 50 per cent off trips (in place until 14 November) with Uber, to and from Skybus stops at Albany Westfield, Smales Farm and Akoranga stations (subject to T&C’s), it explains.  

Once aboard the Skybus, passengers will enjoy the, “world-famous benefits” such as “unlimited luggage”, free Wi-Fi and multi-lingual announcements, it states.

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SUSTAINABLE WAY

Michael Sewards, Skybus director said: “We are thrilled to announce the first privately funded airport mass transit and rideshare partnership in Australasia.”

“We chose the North Shore in NZ to trial the service, as it solves many challenges for residents when planning travel to and from the airport. 

“We would like to thank Uber for embracing this trial, to meet the needs of the mass transit passenger and working with us to provide this incredible passenger solution.

“Providing a fast and reliable service that utilises express bus lanes means it’s stress free and will also take more cars off the road, making it a more sustainable way to travel,” Sewards stated.

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MORE CHOICE 

Uber New Zealand country manager Amanda Gilmore stated: “This month more than a quarter of a million New Zealanders will make their way to airports across the country.”

“Uber will continue to help connect them to the moments that matter – at the start of their journey or for the entire trip.

“The Skybus trial represents another layer of choice for riders – helping them select the option that best suits their needs,” Gilmore explained.

“Uber is determined to work in concert with key partners to create smart, safe, connected cities of the future. Enhancing existing infrastructure to solve complex transport problems and to remove friction for riders and drivers alike.” 

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CERTAINTY OF ARRIVAL TIME 

According to the ride-share company – and departing on average every 30 minutes on weekdays, with many early morning services – the North Harbour Express takes passengers direct to the airport on North Shore’s priority bus lanes, reaching the airport within 55 minutes.

The service provides passengers with certainty of arrival time, whilst travelling in comfort and peace of mind, it’s claimed.

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HOW IT WORKS – FROM AIRPORT

* Passengers can purchase an adult or family North Harbour Express ticket online;

* An Uber promo code will be supplied with the Skybus ticket. This will unlock 50 per cent off an eligible trip with Uber (up to a maximum of NZD$15), courtesy of Skybus. The promotion is subject to Uber terms and conditions;

* Getting from the airport, passengers should hop on the North Harbour Express and choose the bus stop closest to their destination, explains Skybus;

* Upon arrival at their chosen stop, passengers can request a trip with Uber from the bus stop to their home on the North Shore;

* Passengers should enter the promo code in the ‘Payment’ section of the Uber app prior to requesting the trip to activate the promotion.

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HOW IT WORKS – LEAVING NORTH SHORE

* Passengers purchase an adult or family North Harbour Express ticket online;

* An Uber promo code will be supplied with the Skybus ticket. This will unlock 50 per cent off an eligible trip with Uber (up to a maximum of NZD$15), courtesy of Skybus. The 50 per cent off promotion is subject to the T&Cs of Uber; 

* Enter the promo code in the ‘Payment’ section of the Uber app prior to requesting the trip to activate the promotion;

* Riders will be picked up from their home and taken to their chosen North Harbour Express Skybus stop including, Albany Westfield, Smales Farm and Akoranga Stations;

* Upon arrival, the Skybus North Harbour Express will deliver passengers to the international or domestic terminal.

Photography: courtesy Skybus

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