Coasties and fellow Aucklanders are embracing a new seven-day fare cap from Auckland Transport (AT), which limits public transport costs to $50 a week.

Since its launch 12 weeks ago, over 20,000 people have benefited from the initiative.

The fare cap applies across buses, trains, and inner harbour ferries, making it easier and more affordable for locals to get around.

The initiative is part of AT's broader efforts to encourage public transport usage through improvements like contactless payments and bus priority systems at traffic lights.

Mayor Wayne Brown, who championed the fare cap, expressed his satisfaction with the programme’s initial success.

“It’s great to see that over 20,000 people have already reached the cap, saving them money on their public transport journeys,” he said.

“This is a great example of how things should work, with council setting strategy and direction and AT implementing it.”

The fare cap automatically activates when a customer tags on and off with an AT HOP card, capping their fares at $50 for the week.

Riders know they've reached the cap when the card reader displays a $0.00 fare, allowing them to travel at no further cost.

Andy Baker, Franklin Ward Councillor and Chair of the Transport Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the benefit of the fare cap for residents in areas like Warkworth and Pukekohe.

“For communities further away from the city, like Warkworth and Pukekohe, this is a real game changer,” he said. “

The feedback I’m hearing is that some people are saving upwards of $20 per week. The price certainty makes taking public transport more attractive and budgeting easier, which is welcome in a cost-of-living crisis.”

AT’s Director of Public Transport & Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, pointed out the initiative's success as part of broader efforts to improve Auckland’s public transport system.

“This builds on work we are doing across the board to encourage Aucklanders to mix their go and get on board public transport. We now have 40 frequent bus routes compared to just nine in 2016, more electric buses than any city in Australasia, and ferries are returning to their full timetables,” she explained.

The fare cap has contributed to a 22% increase in public transport usage compared to last year, she added.

Local Hibiscus Coast resident Liam Waller, a regular bus user, shared his experience with the new fare cap.

“It’s been easier to budget now that I know I won’t spend more than $50 a week on public transport,” he said.

“It makes the most difference when I’m going into the office regularly. After three return trips, I’ve reached the cap, and any other travel I want to make during the week is free.”