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AT HOP: Auckland ferries join integrated fare system

Monday, 20 July 2020

Auckland's Inner Link bus route has a new electric bus as part of its fleet (Video March 2019).

AT HOP card holders will soon be able to travel on buses, trains and ferries while paying just once for their entire journey.

Ferries will join Auckland Transport’s integrated fare system on July 26 in a move expected to slash costs for commuters.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said integrated fares make it simpler and cheaper to use public transport.

“Encouraging more people to use public transport will help lower carbon emissions and mean that those who do drive experience reduced traffic congestion,” he said.

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Ferry fares will join AT Metro’s integrated fare system on July 26 in a move expected to reduce travel costs (file photo).
Ferry fares will join AT Metro’s integrated fare system on July 26 in a move expected to reduce travel costs (file photo).

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Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the scheme will encourage people to use public transport and reduce carbon emissions.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the scheme will encourage people to use public transport and reduce carbon emissions.

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The scheme will result in more people on public transport and fewer cars on roads, planning committee chairman Chris Darby says.
The scheme will result in more people on public transport and fewer cars on roads, planning committee chairman Chris Darby says.

“While the introduction of integrated fares was delayed due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, it's good to see it being rolled out now as more Aucklanders return to using public transport to get around our city.”

Commuters will be able to pay for their journey just once instead of paying for each bus, train or ferry trip separately.

While they will tag on and off each bus, train or ferry as usual, fares will be automatically calculated for the entire journey, removing the cost of connecting bus and train trips in the same zone as the ferry.

Auckland councillor Chris Darby, who chairs the planning committee, said integrated ferry fares mean more affordable travel, more people on ferries, buses and trains, and fewer cars on the road.

“A single zone bus or train trip to or from the ferry terminal is now included for AT HOP card users,” he said.

“For just the cost of a ferry, you'll be able to hop on the bus to the terminal, take the ferry into town, then bus or train to work, education or whatever in the city centre.”

The scheme was originally scheduled to come into effect in the second half of 2021, but the launch was brought forward to April this year.

New Zealand's nationwide lockdown delayed the technology from being tested, but that was able to start once the country moved to alert level 2.

Auckland Transport spokesperson Colin Homan said integrating ferry fares not only means commuters can save money every day, but it also makes it easier to connect with buses or trains on either side of a ferry trip.

“We're excited to get integrated ferry fares up and running for AT HOP users now after working closely with our operating partners,” he said.

The new integrated fare system will be in place on Bayswater, Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Gulf Harbour, Half Moon Bay, Hobsonville Point, Pine Harbour, Stanley Bay, Northcote Point, Devonport, Waiheke and West Harbour ferry services.