One-cent Auckland bus fare ends after four years

Auckland's one-cent bus fare, introduced in 2020 when the Mt Eden train station was closed for renovations, will end in less than a fortnight.

Auckland Transport (AT) introduced the route started in 2020 as an incentive to take the bus and to compensate for the inconvenience of the station closure.

AT’s service network development manager, Pete Moth, says the fare will increase ahead of the Mt Eden station’s reopening to secure funding for upgrades and ensure fair rates for all commuters.

“Improving public transport services does come at a cost, and fares are an important part of funding this.

“Retaining the one-cent fare would not be fair to Auckland's other public transport users and so we are removing it on April 27," Moth says.

Sandringham resident and student Sivana Alabaster says she’s disappointed by the news, because it the fare encouraged her to take the Newmarket bus instead of driving.

“I didn’t believe it was only one cent at first but it made me more likely to ride the bus. For once the fare wasn’t insanely expensive and cheaper than driving.”

The bus route was first introduced to provide a link between Mt Eden and Newmarket, while providing alternative routes for residents in surrounding suburbs.

Moth says with the bus route more frequent, it has become a regular choice for Auckland commuters.

“The 64 route has since become a lot more than a rail replacement bus service.

“Since the changes, we've seen usage of the 64 bus almost double, with many Aucklanders utilising the route to travel between St Lukes, Mt Eden and Newmarket,” he says.

Alabaster says the increase in fares is discouraging her from taking the bus.

“With the price going up, I’m just going to drive to Newmarket.”