Passengers adjusted their timetables for daylight saving and took a trip on Warkworth’s new 995 bus service as it made its inaugural run to the Hibiscus Coast.
Waiting at the first stop, Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers opened the doors and waved passengers on board.
“This service gives Warkworth seven-day access to Auckland's public transport network for the first time.
“It’s a great addition for people travelling between our town and the Hibiscus Coast, and for people wanting to travel to Warkworth and surrounding districts. The northern busway has opened travel and this service provides that link to Warkworth.
“As patronage grows, I expect to see services expanding and new stops and routes added.”
Rodney Local Board Chair Beth Houlbrooke thanked previous local boards who advocated strongly for the service.
"The new service opens travel into the city for work, study and play. Students can commute into the city for classes. It also makes things easier for older people, with better links to the North Shore and the city.”
Enjoying the ride were One Warkworth Business Association manager Murray Chapman, Auckland Transport's integrated networks executive general manager, Mark Lambert, and community bus advocates Glyn Williams, Bonnie and Sidney Cohen, and Peter Buckton.
The first passengers all received a certificate commemorating the ride – a trip that takes about 35 minutes from Warkworth to Hibiscus Coast Station, an hour from Warkworth to Albany, and 90 minutes to the city.
Visit AT.govt.nz for routes, timetables and fares.
