If you don’t usually take public transport, now might be the moment to give it a go. During Phase 1 of the national fuel supply response, buses, trains and ferries are all running as usual and offer a reliable and cost-effective way to get around.
Here is a simple guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Plan your trip
The best way to plan your trip is by using the journey planner on the AT Mobile app or on the AT website. Just enter where you’re starting from and where you want to go.
You’ll see:
- Your best route options
- How much it will cost
- Estimated travel times
- Where to walk or transfer
- Real time arrival information
- Estimated capacity so you can see how busy the service is likely to be
| Tip: If you’re new to public transport, start with a familiar, simple trip like commuting to work or heading into the city. |
Step 2: Paying for your trip
Contactless payments make it easy to turn up and go on public transport.
Paying for public transport in Auckland is simple, with a couple of easy options. Many people use an AT HOP card, which you can buy online or at retailers. Just tag on when you get onboard and tag off at the end of your trip. You can also use contactless payments on buses, trains and ferries (excluding Fullers Waiheke services). This allows you to turn up and go, paying by simply tagging on and off using your contactless debit or credit card, or enabled phone or smartwatch.
For adult fares, you’ll pay the same price whether you use an AT HOP card or contactless payment. However, contactless payments:
- Don’t support concessions
- Don’t count towards AT’s 7 day $50 fare cap.
If you’re eligible for a concession or want to benefit from the weekly fare cap, using an AT HOP card is the best option.
| Tip: Always tap on and tap off using the same payment method. If you start your trip with a HOP card, finish with your HOP card. If you start with contactless, finish with the same card or device. This helps ensure you’re charged correctly. |
Walking, cycling or scootering part of the way can make it easy to connect with public transport.
Step 3: Getting to the stop or station
You don’t have to live right next to a stop to use public transport. Many Aucklanders:
- Walk part of the way
- Bike or scooter to a station
- Use park and ride, driving a short distance before switching to a bus or train
This can significantly reduce fuel use while still keeping your trip flexible.
Simple actions like hailing the bus and moving to the back help make bus trips smoother for everyone.
Step 4: Using buses - a quick guide
If you’re catching a bus, a few simple tips can make the trip smoother for everyone, especially when services are busy:
- Hail the bus by raising your hand so the driver knows you want to get on
- Enter through the front door and tag on
- Move down the bus once onboard so there’s space for others
- Avoid standing in doorways, particularly during peak times
- Take your bag off the seat so more people can sit
- Exit through the rear doors and remember to tag off
- And if you can, a quick “thanks” to the bus driver is always appreciated
Ready to give it a try?
Plan your route, choose the payment option that works for you, and start with an easy trip. Visit the AT website for more information.