For the first time in decades, Auckland’s public transport usage exceeded 70 million passenger journeys for the last 12 months.
Auckland Transport’s patronage report claims a total overall increase in public transport passenger numbers, 70,201,635 million in the 12 months, an increase of 9.6 per cent on last year.
Rail 12-month patronage to February is 10,925,099 an increase of 1,702,059 boardings or 18.5 per cent.
Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dr. David Warburton says the patronage figures show strong growth resulting from a full programme of projects and initiatives by Auckland Transport to deliver more quality public transport services to Aucklanders.
“Work is already underway on the $180 million AMETI Panmure project which includes a new bridge for a future busway and major upgrades to Panmure Station. It will when completed halve the travel time for bus commuters between Botany and downtown.
“Exciting news is the announcement of the opening of the first stage of the new Manukau Rail Station in April, the first rail line since the 1930’s,” says Dr. Warburton.
Future initiatives include a piloting phase for integrated ticketing (HOP). The pilot will begin in April and the full roll-out on all buses, trains and ferries is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
There will also be construction of a depot at Wiri for the 57 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains arriving in Auckland between 2013 and 2016, while work on the design and fit-out of the new trains continues.
Work also continues to prepare for electrification of the rail network.
