Coasties can expect reduced public transport costs as Auckland Transport (AT) introduces a $50 seven-day fare cap starting this Sunday, 21 July.

This cap applies to AT buses, trains, inner harbour ferries, and AT Local services.

“This is another key piece of our Long-term Plan being put into action to make transport work better for Aucklanders,” said Mayor Wayne Brown.

He highlighted that this initiative responds to public demand for increased spending on public transport and aims to alleviate the high cost of living in the region.

“The seven-day fare cap gives Aucklanders price certainty, allowing them to budget more easily by knowing they won’t pay more than $50 a week.”

The fare cap period begins with the initial HOP card tag on and lasts until 11:59 pm seven consecutive days later.

For instance, if a customer tags on a Tuesday, their fare cap runs until 11:59 pm the following Monday.

The fare cap will reset only with the next tag on.

Stacey van der Putten, AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, noted that approximately 450,000 Aucklanders use public transport monthly.

“About 8% of our customers would already benefit or are close to benefitting from the cap. It’s a great opportunity for people to try public transport for more trips.”

Public transport users need only to tag on and off with their AT HOP card to benefit from the fare cap.

They will be notified of reaching the cap when they see a $0.00 fare on the HOP card reader.

Ferry services included in the fare cap are the Bayswater, Birkenhead, Te Onewa Northcote Point, and Devonport routes.

Services excluded are mid and outer harbour ferries, commercial ferries, and Te Huia.

The seven-day fare cap will replace the $20 daily fare cap and the $230 bus and train monthly pass.