Regional Public Transport Plan 2023-2031 (RPTP) Regional Public Transport Plan 2023-2031 (RPTP)

Fix the issues due to driver shortages and service cancellations

• The bus driver shortage was fixed in mid-2023.
• KiwiRail’s rebuild of the rail network will be complete by early 2026, reducing cancellations and disruptions.

Provide more frequent services

• The Auckland Council Climate Action Targeted Rate will fund 10 new frequent bus routes by 2027, and we will deliver another three frequent routes by 2031.
• By 2026 trains will run every 7.5 minutes at peak travel times and every 15 minutes the rest of the day.
• More ferries operating on several routes by 2025.

Speed up travel times

• City Rail Link will speed up train journeys meaning twice as many people will be within 30 minutes of central Auckland.
• More bus lanes on key routes.
• More bus queue jumps and priority at key intersections.

Make fares cheaper

• We are implementing a weekly fare cap that allows unlimited travel for a fixed price.
• Government funded half-price fares for under 25s and free fares for under 13s have already been implemented.

Make improvements for people with accessibility needs

• Continue implementing our Accessibility Action Plan and funding the Total Mobility Scheme.
• Continued roll-out of audio announcements on buses, and ongoing accessibility improvements to stops and other infrastructure.

Provide better communications and technology

• Improvements to the AT Mobile app and online channels to share information quicker.
• By 2025, passengers will be able to use credit cards to board public transport.

More train lines, more busways, build light rail

• City Rail Link creates the rail capacity to have more trains running more often.
• Electric rail extended to Pukekohe and three new trains stations being built on the southern line.
• Stages 2 and 3 of the Eastern Busway.
• North-west bus improvements.

Make using public transport feel safer

• Rolling out transport officers on buses like those on Auckland’s trains.
• Testing the implementation of safety barriers to protect drivers.

Make public transport better at dealing with severe weather events

• Maintenance programmes will upgrade infrastructure, and new infrastructure will be designed, so it’s less vulnerable to increasingly severe weather events.

Create a low carbon PT system

• Over 1,000 buses (75% of the fleet) will have no tail pipe emission by 2031.
• Electric ferries in operation on several routes by 2025.
• Electric trains to Pukekohe by 2026.

Changes to Outer link bus service

The OuterLink is one of our least reliable services. Because it operates as a loop, buses often catch up to each other and the bus also has multiple ‘timing’ points, meaning passengers wait on board while drivers changeover. As a result customer satisfaction on the route is generally very low.

The OuterLink will change to become a bus route between Newmarket and St Lukes via the City Centre and Pt Chevalier. This will allow it to operate more reliably.

Changes to routes 30, 64 and 650 (650 will become frequent route 65) will create frequent connections between the locations currently served by the southern part of the OuterLink route. These changes will increase the number of people with easy access to a frequent public transport service.

These will be supported with improvements to bus stops that make changing buses easier for the small number of people who may now need to use two buses to make their journey.

More information about these changes can be found on our Central crosstown bus changes page.

Changes to Gulf Harbour ferry

In the draft RPTP we proposed to remove the Gulf Harbour Ferry service from 2028 once the existing contract to run the service had expired, provided all the following were in place:

• O Mahurangi – Penlink;
• A new Whangaparāoa Station on the corner of Whangaparaoa Road and Cedar Terrace;
• The NX2 bus service was serving Whangaparāoa Station via O Mahurangi – Penlink, instead of Hibiscus Coast Station as at present; and
• More frequent local bus services.

RPTP consultation respondents were strongly against the removal of the ferry service. In response to this, we have committed to investigating the transport needs of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula in more detail.

We have commissioned an independent study to identify the public transport network for the peninsula which would benefit the most people once O Mahurangi – Penlink is open. The Study will consider the needs of people making journeys to, from and around the peninsula for a variety of purposes. It will also consider the needs of people in the wider Hibiscus Coast area who could also be impacted by any changes to the existing public transport network.

The Study will consider multiple options for future ferry and bus services on the peninsula. These options and the assessment criteria will be discussed with local Elected Members before a preferred way forward is identified. The future public transport network for the peninsula will be confirmed in the 2025 update of the RPTP.

AT will engage with the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and wider Hibiscus Coast community regarding this Study in 2024. If you would like to be kept up to date as this Study progresses, please email WPStudy@at.govt.nz.

Please note the Gulf Harbour Ferry service is currently running to a reduced timetable due to the Accelerated Ferry Training Programme. The service is expected to run to this reduced timetable for 14 – 18 months from 1 October 2023. AT expects the service to return to a full timetable once the training programme is complete.

Changes to Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry

Due to low passenger demand, in the draft RPTP we proposed that Birkenhead Ferry would no longer stop at Te Onewa Northcote Point. We received a strong response from the community towards this proposal. In response to this we have decided to delay a final decision on the ferry service.

We are working to return the ferry timetable to full service and will monitor use at Northcote Point. If use increases significantly and achieves a patronage target (yet to be determined), we will reconsider the proposal.

The future of the service will be confirmed in the 2025 update of the RPTP.

List of key decisions on the draft RPTP (extract from Report on Public Feedback)

The following is a list of key decisions, outcomes and changes made on the draft RPTP, which are reflected in the adopted RPTP.

Reason for change: Community feedback raised strong concerns about proposal. 

Outcome: An independent study will be commissioned to look at:

• how best to serve the peninsula with public transport
• the needs of all transport modes in the area
• possible improvements to the ferry
• how the ferry service could be funded on a sustainable basis.

The study will include input from the local board and consideration of community feedback.

The future of the service will be confirmed in the 2025 update of the RPTP.

Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry

Reason for change: Community feedback raised strong concerns about proposal. 

Outcome: AT is working to return the ferry timetable to full service and will monitor use at Northcote Point. If use increases significantly and achieves a patronage target (yet to be determined), we will reconsider the proposal.

The future of the service will be confirmed in the 2025 update of the RPTP.

Ferry reliability issues

Reason for change: Feedback generally supported initiative. 

Outcome: AT is working hard to address ferry reliability issues, just as we did with bus driver issues through 2023. 

 Weekly fare cap

Reason for change: Feedback generally supported initiative. 

Outcome: Implement the weekly fare cap (amount of cap to be determined in 2024).

Increase in transfer window 

Reason for change: Concerns about funding constraints and impact on fares revenue.

Outcome: The draft RPTP proposed to increase the transfer window from 30-minutes to 1-hour. This has been kept at the current 30-minute window in the final RPTP, with the extension noted as aspirational, pending confirmation of funding. 

Changed wording in section 2.2 Short-term focus

Reason for change: Updated to ensure the focus reflects AT’s priorities in 2024.

Outcome: This section has been overhauled to reflect changes between mid- and late-2023, such as the driver shortage being resolved. It now outlines our focus for the 2024 calendar year.

Minor changes to section 2.3 Medium-term focus

Reason for change: Updated for accuracy. 

Outcome: This section has been changed to reflect that the Northwest Bus Improvements are now in place, and how these will be monitored and refined as people get used to the new services. Some other minor changes were also made, to align with other changes elsewhere in the plan.

New information in section 2.4 Long-term focus.

Reason for change: Updated to provide more information. 

Outcome: We’ve made changes to this section to provide more information about the differences between the boardings targets in the RPTP and those in Council’s Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway (TERP), as this was a subject of feedback in many submissions.

Changes to maps

Reason for change: Updated for accuracy. 

Outcome: These have been updated throughout the document to reflect changes and decisions in the RPTP.

Changes to section 3.1 – Vision.

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: We’ve added new wording to reflect that the goals are interrelated and not weighted. This responds to feedback questioning this.

Changes to section 3.2 – Goal 1

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: We have added more detail in this goal about upcoming ticketing changes that will enable customers to use their debit and credit cards, ahead of the national ticketing system. This responds to feedback requesting more focus on these changes.

Changes to section 3.3 – Goal 2

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: We have clarified what we mean by ‘low emission’ public transport, in response to questions on this issue, and made other minor changes for consistency throughout the plan.

Changes to section 3.4 – Goal 3

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome:  We have changed and added wording in this section to:

• Respond to concerns the goal focused only on Māori, rather than the wide range of diverse communities in Auckland.
• Explicitly state some of the groups that may face barriers when using the public transport system, at the request of these groups.

Changes to section 3.5 – Goal 4

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: We have added new wording to this section to discuss the role that public transport plays in supporting Auckland’s economy. This responds to feedback requesting we do this.

Changes to section 3.6 – Goal 5

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: We have added new wording to describe how new revenue sources can contribute to the cost of operating the PT system. This responds to feedback.

Changes to section 3.7 – Mana whenua views and Māori outcomes

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: Our mana whenua partners requested changes to this section to better reflect their views and priorities.
We have also made some further changes, in this section and elsewhere in the plan, that respond to feedback on Māori outcomes.

Changed wording in section 4 – Actions.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback and added in response to new legislative requirements.

Outcome: We have made changes throughout this section to add or clarify content in response to submissions. These include:

• A description of the way forward for ferry services.
• Additional information about On-Demand service planning.
• Clarifications about how train services will operate after the City Rail Link is completed.
• Information about how the expansion of the frequent transit network will impact Aucklanders in different parts of the region
• New information about our plans for passenger information.

We have also added more detail about future infrastructure requirements to support service changes, to comply with new requirements in the recently amended Land Transport Management Act.

Add wording to Policy 1.1.

Reason for change: Clarified wording in response to feedback

Outcome: Additional / new wording:
“5) Operate as a network, and as part of the wider transport network.”

Amend wording of Policy 1.6.

Reason for change: Clarification of the decision-making process when considering new public transport services was required due to the large number of requests for new services.

Outcome: New wording:
“AT will consider introduction of services in areas of Auckland which are part of the PT Service Area. This area comprises everything within the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB) (as defined in the Auckland Unitary Plan), together with any settlement with a minimum existing population of 2,000 people. It also includes the roads which connect these locations.

Figure 14 below shows the current PT Serviced Area in 2023, together with any changes between now and 2031. Areas outside of these will not be considered for PT services. An area being in this area does not guarantee a service, only that it is eligible for one to be considered.”

A map showing the serviced area is also included.

Add wording to Policy 1.9.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback.

Outcome: Additional / new wording:
“AT will periodically review school buses and withdraw school bus services when a school is well served by the regular public transport network. AT will engage with the school and the Ministry of Education prior to making changes to any service. AT will consider a school bus service is underperforming when patronage is fewer than:

• 15 students for Secondary or Intermediate
• 10 students for Primary.”

 Amend wording of Policy 4.1.

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: New wording added in relation to Link branding:

“AT will manage and market a clear, easy-to-understand, and consistent PT service brand that is known for quality, reliable and safe services.

The ‘LINK’ brand (used for the CityLink, InnerLink, OuterLink, TāmakiLink and AirportLink) will be used for frequent transit services to increase visibility for users.”

Add wording to Policy 6.0.

Reason for change: Changed in response to feedback.

Outcome: Additional / new wording underlined below:

“AT will design and deliver PT infrastructure that supports decarbonisation of the transport sector with opportunities to support broader social, environmental, or economic outcomes aligned with Hīkina Te Wero and the AT Sustainable Procurement Action Plan, which outlines, among other things, our commitment to hiring diverse suppliers, including Māori, women, disabled, Pasifika and other ethnic community-owned business.”

Amend wording of Policy 7.0.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback.

Outcome: New wording:
“AT will plan and deliver a network of PT services, facilities and infrastructure that are resilient to climate-related events, through:

• Working to explore how lanes can be allocated to ensure the reliability of services during and in the aftermath of extreme weather events, where they have impacted the operation of the transport network.
• Building and retrofitting infrastructure with future rainfall, flooding, and sea level rises in mind.”

 Add wording to Policy 8.0.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback.

Outcome: Additional / new wording underlined below:
“AT will plan and deliver accessible and equitable PT services and facilities available to all members of the public, including those with accessible needs (whether permanent or temporary), those vulnerable when travelling alone, and those that are transport disadvantaged.”

Add wording to Policy 9.1.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback.

Outcome: Additional / new wording underlined below:
“AT will apply the following principles when developing and reviewing public transport fares and pricing in the region:

•  ………
• Have operational benefits – fares will be discounted outside of peak demand periods, to encourage customers to consider travelling at times when more capacity is available.
•  ………”

 Amend wording of Policy 9.2.

Reason for change: Concerns about funding constraints and impact on fares revenue.

Outcome: New wording:

“AT will apply a geographic zone-based integrated fare structure to regulate fares across bus, train, ferry and future modes, and provide for as many transfers as customers like within a four-hour period, provided each transfer is made within 30 minutes of each other.”

 Add wording to Policy 9.3.

Reason for change: New initiative, new AT thinking

Outcome: Additional / new wording:
“AT will explore a range of pricing initiatives to encourage more frequent use of PT, including daily and weekly fare caps, employer subsidy schemes, and targeted concessions.”

Amend wording of Policy 11.0.

Reason for change: Clarified in response to feedback

Outcome: New wording:
“AT will continuously identify, advocate for, and implement local network improvements that improve multi-modal access adjacent to PT hubs, including better walking and cycling connections provided by other parties (as well as AT) and through secure storage of bicycles and other mobility devices at stations.”

Add wording to monitoring target in Part 6.
New wording:
Satisfaction - % of customers satisfied with their PT service (based on customer surveys).

 Guided digital experiences

Reason for change: New initiative, new AT thinking

Outcome: Creating guided digital experiences to help new customers navigate using PT for the first time (in Part 4)

Bus drive forum

Reason for change: New initiative, new AT thinking

Outcome: Establishing a bus driver forum so frontline experience can be used to help improve services (in Part 4).

Integration of Waiheke Ferry 

Reason for change: Responds to feedback and latest information.

Outcome: Changed wording of our position on the integration of the Waiheke Ferry, following the recent Waka Kotahi review into the service’s status. (in Part 7)

 Changes to Part 1

Reason for change: Responds to feedback and additional information for completeness.

Outcome: Changes have been made throughout Part 1 to add additional information. These include:

• Additional context about why we need to improve public transport.
• Information about the development of the RPTP and the results of engagement at each stage of this process.
• A new section on how the RPTP complies with legislative requirements.

Auckland Transport will proceed with the rest of the draft.

Project timeline

Late 2022

• Identify issues and opportunities for public transport and develop draft RPTP goals.
• Engagement activities included:
  • Market research survey (over 1,000 Aucklanders)
  • Three workshops with key interest groups

January – April 2023

• Further feedback on draft goals, develop draft actions, and research on Aucklanders priorities for public transport.
• Engagement activities included:
  • Market research survey (over 1,200 Aucklanders)
  • Two workshops with key interest groups
  • Auckland Council Planning Committee endorse strategic direction for the RPTP

May – June 2023

• Develop draft RPTP
• AT Board endorses draft RPTP for public feedback

July – August 2023

• Public feedback on the draft RPTP

September – October 2023

• Local board feedback on the draft RPTP

November 2023

• In consideration of local board, key interested group, and public feedback, the RPTP was amended and finalised. 
• RPTP approved by the AT Board.