Auckland Transport (AT) is rolling out significant changes to its fare structure and zone system starting 2 February, marking the most extensive update since 2016.

The changes aim to simplify travel for passengers across buses, trains, and ferries while adjusting fares to reflect rising operational costs.

The new system reduces the number of fare zones from 14 to nine, consolidating several areas.

For example, the East Coast/South Rodney zone now combines the Helensville, Huapai, Hibiscus Coast, and Upper North Shore zones.

These adjustments result in cost savings for some passengers, particularly those travelling longer distances.

From 2 February, an adult travelling from the Hibiscus Coast to Albany will pay $2.80 per journey, down from $4.65.

Similarly, passengers commuting from the Hibiscus Coast to Auckland city will see their fare drop from $7.40 to $6.25 per trip.

While some fares are decreasing, Auckland Transport’s annual fare review will bring modest increases to other fares.

Bus and train journeys will rise by 15 to 25 cents, and ferry fares will increase by 20 cents to $1.40, depending on the distance travelled.

AT’s Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, explained the rationale behind the adjustments.

“We know any increases add to people's cost of living and so these are carefully considered,” Ms Van der Putten said.

“However, the cost of running, maintaining, and investing in Auckland’s public transport network is also increasing, and we need to keep up with this.”

She noted that the $50 seven-day fare cap for HOP card users remains unchanged, benefiting approximately 25,000 weekly passengers.

This cap provides some relief for frequent bus, train, and ferry users.

Additionally, off-peak discounts will be discontinued, as they have not achieved the intended impact of managing peak-time capacity.

Auckland Transport Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten

Ferry fares will also be adjusted independently from buses and trains to account for their operational costs.

AT says these structural changes aim to make fares simpler and fairer while encouraging public transport use.

Ms Van der Putten highlighted the long-term goal of aligning Auckland’s public transport systems with global best practices.

“These structural changes themselves, when applied as a whole, are revenue neutral,” she said.

“Our key driver for these changes is to bring the most value to people who use our services.”

Locals are encouraged to review the new fare zones and pricing changes before they take effect on 2 February.

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