Photo: 123RF
*This story has been amended to clarify the opening of the southern stations is not connected to the City Rail Link opening.
Some rural areas in southern Auckland are set to get bus services for the first time ever next year.
Auckland Transport's Stacey van der Putten said the new buses would be in areas where housing is growing rapidly and would help people get to and from new train stations, local schools, and nearby town centres, she said.
"Many of these areas haven't had access to public transport before so it's terrific to be able to provide them with transport options that will make a big difference to their lives and livelihoods.
"Highlights of the new bus network include two new frequent services, new services for Clarks Beach, Karaka and Ramarama, and more buses for Waiuku."
Auckland Transport (AT) said the construction of three new train stations in southern Auckland: Paerātā Station, Ngākōroa Station and Drury Station, was under way. These stations are planned to open from 2026, and the new bus network would implemented in stages as each of the train stations opened.
AT said train users would not pay extra to take a bus to or from Pukekohe, Paerātā, Ngākōroa, Drury, and Papakura train stations, as long as the transfer between services took less than 30 minutes, they tagged on and off each service using the same AT HOP card or contactless payment method, and completed their journey within four hours.
The public can give feedback on the new bus services until Sunday, 16 November.
New services:
- 40 - Ngākōroa Station, Auranga, Drury Station (Great South Rd), Papakura Station - new frequent service.
- 42 - Paerātā Rise, Paerātā Station - new frequent service running every 15 minutes from 7am until 7pm, 7 days a week.
- 379 - Clarks Beach, Waiau Pa, Kingseat, Te Hihi, Karaka, Papakura Station.
- 384 - Ramarama (Maketu Rd), Drury Station.
Improvements for existing services:
- 391, 392 and 393 - Pukekohe - timetable changes.
- 394 - Pukekohe Station, Paerātā Station - timetable and route changes.
- 395 - Waiuku, Glenbrook, Paerātā Station - extra trips and route change.
- 396 - Waiuku, Patumahoe, Pukekohe Station - extra trips and longer running hours.
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