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AT Local’s southern trial – a success AT Local’s southern trial – a success

29 August 2022

AT Local’s southern trial is a success and AT is currently working with our operator to keep the service running in Takaanini, Conifer Grove and Papakura town centres, subject to the necessary funding continuing to be available. The longer term intent is to make the service permanent leading into the new Sustainable Public Transport Framework (SPTF).

The on-demand rideshare service has been running since October 2021 and is meeting its trial targets – including patronage growth and customer satisfaction.

More than 2,200 people have signed up to use the service and have completed over 18,000 trips since October 2021. June and July were the busiest months so far, with over 3,000 trips each month.

AT Local is attracting some customers who are new to public transport. 1 in 3 respondents who recently took part in an AT Local customer survey said they rarely or only occasionally used other public transport modes. If AT Local wasn’t available only 1 in 3 respondents said they would use another public transport mode.

86 per cent of survey respondents gave AT Local a satisfaction rating of at least 8 out of 10. Customers cited convenience, punctuality, and friendly drivers as their highlights.

AT Local is a new kind of public transport. There is no fixed route or timetable, customers get to choose where and when they travel, and the AT Local booking system plots the quickest route possible to get everyone where they’re going on time. The service runs seven days a week.

There are nearly 400 pick-up and drop-off points in Takaanini, Conifer Grove and Papakura town centre, so customers only have a short walk (120 metres on average) at the start and end of their trip.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their support,” says AT’s Christian Messelyn, Group Manager Public Transport Development.

“More people are now using AT Local than previously used the bus service that AT Local replaced. We are pleased with the service’s popularity out south and it’s been great to see the trial go so well.” 

How to use the service:

  • Trips on AT Local must be booked through the AT Local app (available for free through Google Play or the App Store) or by phoning 0800 2 LOCAL.
  • Fares are currently half-price and all usual concessions, including Child and SuperGold, are accepted.
  • or visit www.AT.govt.nz/Local.

Watch the video here: AT LOCAL SOUTH