Auckland Transport (AT) will increase fares for buses, trains, and ferries by an average of 5.1% starting February 1. Fees for on-street parking and AT-managed carparks will also rise.
Fare and Parking Adjustments
The fare increase, determined by an annual review, will translate to a rise of between $0.10 and $0.25 per trip for buses and trains, and between $0.40 and $0.60 for adult ferry trips. Parking fees will increase by $0.50 per hour throughout the region, with the exception of areas where prices have changed in the past year.
AT officials state that the increases are necessary to address rising operational costs. According to AT, operating costs for public transport have increased by more than 10% in the last year, due to higher rail charges, increased service frequency, and contractual adjustments.
Parking Revenue and Infrastructure
AT group manager John Strawbridge explained that parking rates are adjusted based on demand, economic conditions, and operating costs. This approach, he said, ensures that parking users contribute to the costs of maintaining Auckland’s parking infrastructure, rather than relying solely on ratepayers.
AT is also responding to a growing number of requests from residents regarding parking issues, such as blocked driveways and clearways. Revenue from parking is being invested in technology, including updates to the AT Park app, to improve parking management and responsiveness to community concerns.
Should these increases lead to a shift in commuter behavior, it is possible that demand for public transport could be affected. Alternatively, the continued investment in technology like the AT Park app could mitigate some of the impact of increased parking fees by improving convenience for drivers. Further adjustments to fares or parking rates may be considered in future annual reviews, depending on economic conditions and operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average fare increase?
The average increase across the public transport network is 5.1%.
How much will parking fees increase?
On-street parking and AT-managed carparks will increase by $0.50 per hour, excluding areas with recent price changes.
Is the weekly fare cap changing?
No, the $50 weekly fare cap introduced last year will remain unchanged.
How might these changes impact your daily commute or parking choices in Auckland?
