Auckland Transport launches new bus network for Waiheke Island
Monday, 9 September 2019
Waiheke Island will get a new bus network next month.
The new network promises 'more buses, more often' for the Hauraki Gulf island, with services running every 15 minutes between Onetangi, Ostend, Surfdale, Oneroa and the Matiatia Ferry Terminal.
Pete Moth, Auckland Transport's service network development manager, said the Waiheke New Network was a major and necessary step forward for public transport on the island.
'The number of people living on and visiting the island is rapidly growing. This is a modern bus network that responds to this growth and will help meet diverse transport needs,' he said.
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Other locations on the island like Ōmiha (Rocky Bay), Palm Beach and Blackpool will have buses every 30 minutes, making it easier to travel around the island by bus, including off peak and at weekends.
AT said there would also be improved connections with the Matiatia – Downtown ferry service.
Oneroa Four Square will become an AT HOP Retailer and will be able to sell and top-up blue and gold AT HOP cards, a first for the island.
Timetables and a brochure will be delivered to every address on the island, and the online Journey Planner and AT Mobile app will be updated from September 24.
A series of public information sessions starting at the end of September.
The Waiheke New Network launches on October 13.
The new bus network comes as ferry services to the island remain strained after overcrowding, long queues and cancelled services resulted in many complaints in May.
Operators, Fullers360 has promised more transparency in the future.
Visit AT.govt.nz/NewNetworkWaiheke.
Public Information Sessions
Wednesday 25 September, Waiheke Library, Oneroa, 10am-2pm.
Friday 27 September, Pier 2, Downtown Ferry Terminal, 3pm-7pm.
Monday 30 September, Matiatia Ferry Terminal, 10am-2pm.
Tuesday 1 October, Waiheke War Memorial Hall, Ostend, 9.30am-3pm.
(AT HOP cards and gold AT HOP cards for SuperGold card holders will be available for purchase at this event.)
Saturday 5 October, Waiheke Ostend Market, 7.30am-1pm.