A simpler, more frequent, and more connected bus network for East Auckland will begin on 10 December.
With services that are designed to connect through easy transfers to bus, train or ferry, passengers will have access to a far wider range of destinations (view the map).
Increasing connectivity
Auckland Transport's Network Development Manager, Anthony Cross, says, "The New Network is all about increasing connectivity."
"For east Auckland, three key routes will have buses arriving every 10 to 15 minutes, three local buses timed to connect with the Half Moon Bay Ferry, and increased bus-to-train connections at key interchanges, especially Panmure."
"Only a few months after we delivered the south and west New Networks, there was an increase in public transport use for both these areas. Although change is never easy, we're confident that this will benefit more people than the current network, and provide a strong alternative to cars."
Plan ahead for your journey
Make sure you've planned your new journey and are prepared for day one.
"This is the biggest change to bus services in Auckland, ever," says Anthony.
"A settling-in period is expected for the first few weeks following implementation. We encourage customers to allow more travel time than usual in the first week."
Full details about the new services, including a new timetable, are being mailed to every east Auckland resident.
To find out more information, you can head to Auckland Transport, attend an information event or find an ambassador out on the street in the first week of implementation. Chinese versions of the brochure are available online and are being distributed to key community groups.
AT's online journey planner will be updated with the new services from 17 November. Customers simply need to enter a travel date after 10 December to plan their new trip. After the launch of the New Network, passengers can track their bus or train in real time with the AT Mobile app.
Three new frequent bus routes, all day, every day:
- every 10 minutes from Botany to the City Centre (70)
- every 15 minutes from Howick to Panmure (72C, 72M)
- every 15 minutes from Botany to Manukau (35)
- Improved local buses to Half Moon Bay, which are timed to meet with the ferry timetable.
New bus connections to local destinations:
- New services to connect Union Road, Bradbury Road, Cascades Road and Reeves Road to Panmure (711)
- A new service to connect Ōtāhuhu with Highbrook and Botany (351)
- Improved bus services to Ormiston Town Centre and surrounding suburbs (35, 355)
- More direct bus routes for Bucklands Beach, to Panmure (712) and Botany (733), and better connections to Half Moon Bay (714)
- A new service for Beachlands and Maraetai, with buses running hourly, seven days a week.
Changes to Auckland Transport school bus services are being discussed, and will come into effect from Term 1, 2018. Detailed information is being provided to each school before the end of the 2017 school year.
Mr Cross says, "The new east Auckland bus network was created with the help of hundreds of residents through the 2015 public consultation, but the final decisions were based on many factors. Our aim is to deliver the most beneficial outcome for the widest number of people, with the resources available."
Public information events:
- Pakuranga Night Market, Pakuranga Shopping Centre, Reeves Rd (under The Warehouse) – Sat 25 Nov, 5.30pm-midnight
- Botany Town Centre, AT Customer Service Centre, Town Centre Dr (near bus stops) – Tue 28 Nov, 6.30am-noon
- Panmure Interchange, Ellerslie Panmure Highway – Wed 29 Nov, 6.30am-noon
- City Centre, 50 Customs St East (bus stop for Eastern services) – Thu 30 Nov, 6.30am-noon
- Beachlands & Maraetai, Pine Harbour Fresh Market, 190 Jack Lachlan Dr – Sat 2 Dec, 8am-noon
- Beachlands & Maraetai, Pohutukawa Coast Shopping Centre (Countdown), 129 Beachlands Rd – Sat 2 Dec, 2pm-5pm
- Howick Information Centre, Picton St, Howick – Tue 5 Dec, noon-6.30pm
- City Centre, 50 Customs St East (bus stop for Eastern services) – Wed 6 Dec, noon-6.30pm
