A new Auckland Transport initiative is a HOP in the right direction, according to Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
The board has been pushing AT to support local transport priorities, including fare caps, and have welcomed changes that came into effect at the end of July.
AT’s new $50 fare cap makes getting around the city more affordable.
For a week, fares on buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries are capped at $50, expiring seven days after your first Hop card tag-on.
Local Board chair, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, explains that the board advocated for free or cheaper public transport.
Although they couldn't get those measures over the line, he describes the fare cap as a significant step forward for families and frequent users.
“Transport emerged as a critical barrier for 35 per cent of residents in our local board plan consultations, particularly impacting multi-generational and disabled individuals,” Apulu says.
“The board acknowledges the practical preference for driving due to cost and convenience. AT’s $50 fare cap for a seven-day period is a key advocacy achievement for us. Lived experiences shows the need in our community for high frequency, low-cost, reliable public transport.”
The board have been advocating for transport equity that matters for the area to enhance the accessibility and appeal of public transport.
Apulu adds, “Transport is crucial, especially with the rising cost of living. We have many well used and key public transport hubs in our area, such as the Manukau Bus and Train Stations, and the Puhinui Station Interchange. This means that this initiative will not only help with improved connectivity and use, but also budgeting especially for the working class.
“It’s good to see that it is making a tangible difference in our community, and it’s heartening to see our people respond positively.”
The new initiative replaces the previous $20 daily fare cap and $230 monthly pass, which followed the government's abolition of Labour’s public transport subsidies for free travel for children aged 5 to 12 and half-price fares for those aged 13 to 24. With around 450,000 Aucklanders using public transport monthly, this change aims to address the evolving needs of commuters.
How it works
All AT HOP cardholders using eligible services automatically qualify.
They’ll track your normal spending and automatically apply the fare cap once you've spent $50. You do not need to top up your card with $50 to get the fare cap.
Tag on and off every trip
You must tag on and off correctly for each trip on an eligible service for it to count towards your spend. You must also tag on and off once you are receiving free travel.
When you've reached the fare cap
Once you've spent $50 during your 7-day period, you will get free travel until the period ends. Remember, you must still tag on and off when you are travelling for free.
For example, you have spent $49 and have 3 days before your 7-day rolling period ends. You tag on and take a $2 journey. When you tag off you will be charged only $1 as you have reached your $50 cap.
Learn more here.
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