Malcolm McCracken
Integrated Fares
Auckland’s Public Transport Network, with the exception of ferries, operates with an integrated fares system using the HOP Card. Integrated Fares was introduced in August 2016. Instead of being charged for each bus or train you use. You are charged one fee for your journey based on how many zones you travel through. Your journey can include 5 different services over a four hour period with up to 30 minutes to transfer between modes.
As seen in the fares table below (accurate July 2018) This is also crucial for the operation and success of the ‘New Network’ which is based on transfers from feeder routes to higher frequency bus routes and train lines.
How to make the most of them – multi-purpose journeys
The beauty of Integrated Fares and the 30 min transfer period is it allows for multi-purpose trips at no extra cost. For example, I often have to stop by my work on Great South Road on the way into uni, to drop gear off. The frequency of buses along this route means I can easily run this errand before continuing my journey on the next bus or walk to the nearest train station. For my return journey, I usually catch the Eastern Line to Sylvia Park, pick up groceries at Pak n’ Save and then catch the 32 to complete my journey. Previously getting off to run an errand would have cost extra, but integrated fares mean that the Public Transport Network can now better serve its users through multi-purpose journeys.
The New Network
The New Network is a revamp of the bus networks across Auckland being carried out in stages by Auckland Transport (AT). The aim is to create a more integrated network between all modes of public transport. AT has designed it around 3 principles of Frequency, the more frequent services are the more useful they will be. Connectivity, by having well-connected transport hubs, you can travel to more places faster, as shown in ‘Model 2’ in the diagram below. Simplicity, having fewer routes running from central interchanges, it is easier to plan your route.
So far the rollout had been completed in almost all regions, with the North Shore being the final stage coming on the 30th of September.
The Frequent Network
The backbone of the New Network is the Frequent Network. These are routes with minimum 15-minute frequencies from 7am-7pm 7 days a week. They often have extra services at peak and many of these new services run till midnight on the Isthmus. Frequent Network routes are designed to intersect with the Rapid Transit Network, which consists of the rail lines and the Northern Busway for improved connectivity.
Bus Numbers
With the implementation of the New Network, a lot of bus numbers and routes have changed. The bus numbers actually contain a lot of information about the route. Two digit bus numbers, like the 70 route from Britomart to Botany and the 32 from Mangere to Sylvia Park, are part of the Frequent Network. There are also bus routes with two digits and a letter. For example the 27H (Hillsborough) and 27W (Waikowhai). This is where two lower frequency (connector) services, join together to create a frequent service. In this case, serving Three Kings and Mount Eden Road as the 27 route. The letter indicates the area it serves to differentiate the services. Two digits and a letter is also used for express bus numbers, using X for express. For example the 72X from Howick. Three digit bus numbers are used for other bus routes which operate at lower frequencies, particularly off-peak. There is one further exception which is the NEX or Northern Express which serves the North Shore Bus Stations. However, following the implementation of the New Network on the North Shore on September 30th, there will be NX1 terminating at Britomart and the NX2 running along Wellesley Street to the Universities.
Implementation
The rollout of the New Network has led to some backlash. Particularly those who have lost one seat rides into the CBD and now have to transfer to a frequent route or rail to do so. However, the aim of the New Network is to make it simpler to get more destinations, not just the CBD. Designing for transfers has allowed many areas to have more frequent connector buses, which in turn should make most journeys easier. How has the New Network worked for you? Comment below!