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Auckland Transport announced today that it is cutting services across the region in response to Auckland City Council’s reduced emergency budget and changing customer demand.
Mark Lambert, Auckland Transport Managing Director of Integrated Networks. Source: 1 NEWS
Beginning on Christmas Eve, ferry services at Stanley Bay would cease. Services will move to Hobsonville Point service starting in January of next year.
Mark Lambert, AT’s executive general manager of integrated networks, said the move recognized that Stanley Bay had low sponsorship, while demand in Hobsonville was “growing significantly.”
“AT understands that this will be disappointing for users of the Stanley Bay ferry, but recognizes that there are alternative options,” he said.
Bus in central Auckland (file image). Source: istock.com
“With limited availability of vessels and budget constraints, it allows AT to meet the growing demand at Hobsonville Point … without increasing spending on City and central government public subsidies.”
Lambert said two additional services would be added each morning and evening from Hobsonville, as well as increased frequency on some bus routes.
Meanwhile, the 728 and 729 bus services for rush hours only will stop starting in December this year.
Lambert said the Emergency Budget required Auckland Transport to cut costs by $ 10 million in public transport operating expenses compared to the Auckland Council’s pre-pandemic budget.
The 3.5 percent option was finalized and voted on by 18 of 21 councilors in July. Their goal was to plug part of Auckland City Council’s $ 750 million tax hole caused by the pandemic.
Lambert said that less than 0.5 percent of passengers would be affected by the changes, which focused on services that were under sponsorship.
He said that in areas like the rural north and south, public transportation services have been maintained because communities had limited other options.
Most of those affected had good public transportation alternatives, Lambert said.
“AT seeks to offer a public transportation system that meets the needs of our customers, within the limitations of the emergency budget,” he said.
“We recognize that some clients, unfortunately, will suffer inconveniences with the required changes, but we are focusing on eliminating or reducing services where there are good alternatives for those affected.”
