Travel around Warkworth will be much simpler and more convenient from 30 September.
The 995, a new service between Warkworth and Hibiscus Coast Station in Silverdale will create a vital link to the rest of the Auckland Region. Passengers can transfer to Northern Express buses at Hibiscus Coast Station.
Auckland Transport's Public Transport Network Manager, Anthony Cross, says, "This is a huge step forward for public transport in Warkworth.
"It will give the area seven days access to Auckland's public transport network for the first time, opening up employment and education opportunities and making events in Auckland more accessible."
Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says, "This will be a great addition to the travel options for people going between Warkworth and Hibiscus Coast. The northern busway has really opened up how people can travel around the area and this new service provides a much-improved link between the busway and Warkworth.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing from people in my community about their experiences using the bus so that we can keep pushing to improve the entire transport network around Rodney."
A trip from Warkworth to Hibiscus Coast Station will take approximately 35 minutes, Warkworth to Albany will take approximately an hour, and Warkworth to Auckland City will take approximately an hour and a half.
Simpler, more direct services
Beth Houlbrooke, chair of the Rodney Local Board says, "It is fantastic to see this long advocated-for service by the local board finally introduced. The local board is keen to expand public transport services throughout Rodney with the help of the transport targeted rate, starting with a Wellsford-Warkworth service, as soon as possible.
"Our residents need affordable public transport options to get to appointments for health, social, and justice services, and to universities. The student and senior (Gold Card) concessions will, therefore, be particularly welcome."
The current Kowhai Connection will be replaced by two new routes; the 996 which will connect Warkworth, Algies Bay, and Snells Beach, and the 997 will connect Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells, and Omaha.
Mr Cross says, "These new local services will continue to cover the same area serviced by the Kowhai Connection, but will be simpler and more direct with improvements to the timetable and the route.
"If paying by AT HOP, a journey anywhere in Warkworth or the Kowhai Coast will only be $1.90 for a full paying adult. With an AT HOP concession, students will get discounted rates and SuperGold cardholders will be able to travel for free after 9am weekdays and all day weekends."
Visit at.govt.nz for more information.
Public Information Event
Tuesday 18 September, Old Masonic Hall, 3 Baxter St, Warkworth, 10am-2pm. AT HOP cards and gold AT HOP cards for SuperGold cardholders will be available for purchase at this event.
