Public transport in Auckland#Long-distance services

Horse-drawn trams operated in Auckland from 1884. The Auckland Electric Tram Company's system was officially opened on 17 November 1902.{{cite web|url=http://www.motat.org.nz/collections/collection-themes/tramways/tramway/|title=Tramway |website=Motat Museum of Transport and Technology |access-date=26 December 2017}} The Electric Tram Company started as a private company before being acquired by Auckland City Council.

The [https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2015/06/01/aucklands-old-tram-maps-modernised/ tram network] enabled and shaped much of Auckland's growth throughout the early 20th century. Auckland's public transport system was very well utilised, with usage peaking at over 120 million boardings during the Second World War, when Auckland's population was less than 500,000.{{cite news|url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2017/10/19/pt-ridership-milestones/|title=More PT ridership milestones – Greater Auckland|date=19 October 2017|work=Greater Auckland|access-date=26 December 2017|language=en-US}}

File:Early Public Transport Bus Auckland.jpg Following dissatisfaction from suburban boroughs and town districts with how the tramway was being managed by the Auckland City Council a Royal Commission inquiry was held. The inquiry led to the creation of the Auckland Transport Board in 1928, which managed the tramway system in the greater Auckland urban area. The Auckland Transport Board expanded the system from 1930 to 1932 with services extending to Meadowbank, Point Chevalier, Dominion Road, Three Kings, and Avondale.{{cite book | last=Bloomfield | first=Gerald Taylor | title=The Evolution of Local Government Areas in Metropolitan Auckland, 1840-1971 | publisher=[Auckland] : Auckland University Press | publication-place=Auckland | date=1973 | isbn=0-19-647714-X|page=72}}

Despite issues in the governance and service quality issues public transport was profitable from the institution of the Auckland Transport Board to 1956.

Auckland's extensive tram network was removed in the 1950s, with the last line closing in late 1956.[http://www.motat.org.nz/artefacts/December06.htm Auckland Tram – Number 11] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817144503/http://www.motat.org.nz/artefacts/December06.htm |date=17 August 2007 }} (from the MOTAT website)A Wheel on Each Corner, The History of the IPENZ Transportation Group 1956–2006 – Douglass, Malcolm; IPENZ Transportation Group, 2006, Page 12 Although a series of ambitious rail schemes were proposed between the 1940s and 1970s,{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11648325|title=Rail Link 100 years in the making|last=@AmeliaJWade|first=Amelia Wade Reporter, NZ Herald amelia wade@nzherald co nz|date=31 May 2016|work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=26 December 2017|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777}} the focus of transport improvements in Auckland shifted to developing an extensive motorway system. Passionate advocacy from long-time Mayor of Auckland City Council Dove-Myer Robinson for a "rapid rail" scheme was ultimately unsuccessful.[http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/Introduction/bush/chap4.asp History of Auckland City – Chapter 4] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513080938/http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/introduction/bush/chap4.asp |date=13 May 2008 }} (from the Auckland City Council website. Retrieved 7 June 2008.){{Cite web |last=Renshaw |first=Chelsea |date=2019 |title=A Platform for the Future: Auckland Rapid Transit. |url=https://collection.motat.nz/topics/67/a-platform-for-the-future-auckland-rapid-transit |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=Museum of Transport and Technology - MOTAT}}

File:Auckland_electric_tramlines_1900_to_1960.gif

Removal of the tram system, little investment in Auckland's rail network and growing car ownership in the second half of the 20th century led to a collapse in ridership across all modes of public transport. From a 1954 average level of 290 public transport trips per person per year (a share of 58% of all motorised trips), patronage decreased rapidly.[http://www.arta.co.nz/assets/arta%20publications/2009/8-0%20134040%20ART%20RTLP%20Draft%202009_hires.pdf Auckland's Transport Challenges] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525122705/http://www.arta.co.nz/assets/arta%20publications/2009/8-0%20134040%20ART%20RTLP%20Draft%202009_hires.pdf |date=25 May 2010 }} (from the Draft 2009/10-2011/12 Auckland Regional Land Transport Programme, Page 8), ARTA, March 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2009.{{cite book|last=Mees|first=Paul|title=Transport for Suburbia: Beyond the Automobile Age|publisher=Earthscan Ltd.|date=December 2009|isbn=978-1-84407-740-3}} 1950s patronage levels were only reached again in the 2010s, despite Auckland's population growing four-fold over the same time period.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=97&objectid=10575671 |title=Michael Lee: Sins of the fathers – legacy of harbour bridge |date=1 June 2009 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=4 November 2011}}

These decisions also shaped Auckland's growth patterns in the late 20th century, with the city becoming a relatively low-density dispersed urban area with a population highly dependent on private vehicles for their travel needs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Land/Documents/Auckland-Transport-Alignment-Project-Foundation-Report.pdf|title=Auckland Transport Alignment Project – Foundation Report|last=Ministry of Transport}} By the late 1990s ongoing population growth and high levels of car use were leading to the recognition that traffic congestion was one of Auckland's biggest problems.{{cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/ctc/theproject.asp|title=Central Transit Corridor Project|author=Auckland City Council|author-link=Auckland City Council|access-date=28 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070522061224/http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/ctc/theproject.asp |archive-date = 22 May 2007}}

As concerns over urban sprawl and traffic congestion grew in the 1990s and early 2000s, public transport returned to the spotlight, with growing agreement of the "need for a substantial shift to public transport".{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/public-transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=536&objectid=10435641|title=Force people out of cars, says Treasury|author=Dearnaley, Mathew|date=23 April 2007|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=4 November 2011}} Growing recognition that Auckland could no longer "build its way out of congestion" through more roads alone led to the first major improvements to Auckland's public transport system in half a century:

• Britomart Station, officially known as Waitematā, was opened in 2003, the first major upgrade of Auckland's rail network since World War II. This project allowed trains to reach into the heart of Auckland's city centre and acted as a catalyst for the regeneration of this part of downtown Auckland.{{cite web|url=http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/towns-and-cities/urban-design-case-studies/britomart-auckland|title=Britomart – Auckland {{!}} Ministry for the Environment|website=mfe.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=26 December 2017}}
• The Northern Busway was opened in 2008, providing Auckland's North Shore with rapid transit that enabled bus riders to avoid congestion on the Northern Motorway.[http://www.nscc.govt.nz/transport_and_roads/Public-transport/NB-faq.html Busway FAQ] on North Shore City Council website. Retrieved 11 January 2008
• A core upgrade of Auckland's rail network between 2006 and 2011, known as [http://www.kiwirail.co.nz/projects/major-projects/dart.html Project DART], which included double-tracking of the Western Line, the reopening of the Onehunga Branch line to Onehunga, a rail spur to Manukau City and a series of station upgrades.{{cite web |url=http://www.kiwirail.co.nz/projects/major-projects/dart.html|title=DART – KiwiRail|last=KiwiRail|website=kiwirail.co.nz |language=en|access-date=26 December 2017}}
• Electrification of the Auckland rail network and the purchase of new electric trains from Spanish manufacturer CAF. Electric train services commenced in 2014. All remaining diesel services, last used on a shuttle service, were phased out in 2022.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-18 |title=Mission Electric |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/sustainability/mission-electric |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}}{{cite web |title=Major construction milestones achieved in Papakura to Pukekohe electrification project |url=https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/media/major-construction-milestones-achieved-in-papakura-to-pukekohe-electrification-project/ |website=KiwiRail |access-date=20 December 2024 |date=13 August 2024}}
• A complete redesign of the region's bus networks between 2012 and 2019 which significantly expanded "frequent" service and reduced duplication.{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Peter |date=2024-08-08 |title=Melbourne on Transit: UN 181: How Auckland is beating Melbourne on buses |url=https://melbourneontransit.blogspot.com/2024/08/un-181-how-auckland-is-soundly-beating.html |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Melbourne on Transit}}{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Jarrett |date=2017-03-23 |title=Auckland: Big Growth on the New Bus Network |url=https://humantransit.org/2017/03/auckland-big-growth-on-the-new-bus-network.html |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Human Transit |language=en-US}}
• Implementation of an integrated ticketing and multi-modal fares system, through the AT HOP card and contactless payments.{{cite web |title=Using contactless payments on Auckland public transport |url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/contactless-payments/using-contactless-payments-on-auckland-public-transport |website=Auckland Transport |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en-nz |date=11 December 2024}}
• Electric AT buses and depots began replacing diesel in 2020. In March 2024 there were 138 zero-emission buses, including one double-decker.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |date=2024-03-18 |title=Mission Electric |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/sustainability/mission-electric |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title=Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown powers up to drive electric bus round cones |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-feels-power-while-driving-around-road-cones-in-kinetic-electric-bus-in-mangere/P7DOQYOQRZBHLJXRDPJ2KQJHCI/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=Business.Scoop » Auckland Transport Welcomes First Double Decker Electric Bus |url=https://business.scoop.co.nz/2024/03/19/auckland-transport-welcomes-first-double-decker-electric-bus/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en}}

Despite these improvements, the lack of investment in Auckland's public transport system throughout the latter part of the 20th century means the city still has much lower levels of ridership than other major cities in Canada and Australia.{{cite web |url=https://at.govt.nz/media/imported/3890/AT-Agenda-Item-10ii-Passenger-Transport-Benchmark-Study-attachment-1-26-october-2011.pdf |title=Auckland Passenger Transport Performance Benchmark Study|last=Wallis|first=Ian|date=15 August 2011}} Auckland's ongoing strong population growth and constrained geography means that Auckland's transport plans now have a strong focus on further improving the quality and attractiveness of public transport.{{cite web|url=http://www.transport.govt.nz/land/auckland/atap/|title=Auckland Transport Alignment Project {{!}} Ministry of Transport|website=transport.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|access-date=26 December 2017}} In 2018 the government and Auckland Council released the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP), valued at NZ$28 billion over 10 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/103402210/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-28b-auckland-transport-alignment-project|title=What you need to know about the $28b Auckland Transport Alignment Project |work=Stuff |date=26 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018}} ($4.6 billion more than previously planned), of which $9.1 billion was for additional public transport projects, including: the completion of the City Rail Link; the construction of the Eastern Busway, the Northern Busway extension to Albany; the extension of the railway electrification to Pukekohe; and a third main line between Westfield and Wiri{{cite web|url=https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/uploads/Publications/ThirdMainBusinessCase.pdf|access-date=28 December 2018|title=Wiri to Westfield – The Case for Investment|date=December 2016|publisher=KiwiRail}} or Wiri and Papakura, to allow freight trains to bypass stationary passenger trains;{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11899395|access-date=28 December 2018|title=Jacinda Ardern outlines Labour's light rail plan for Auckland|date=6 August 2017|publisher=Stuff}} further new electric trains and the construction of a new light rail line, the City Centre–Māngere Line.{{Cite web|url=http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/media/18658/atap-20-final-24042018-1500.pdf|title=Auckland Transport Alignment Project|date=April 2018|website=Auckland Council}}

In late January 2022, the New Zealand Government approved a NZ$14.6 billion project to establish a partially tunneled light rail network between Auckland Airport and the Wynyard Quarter in the Auckland CBD.{{cite news |title=Auckland light rail tunnel to run to Mt Roskill before following SH20 to the airport |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/460377/auckland-light-rail-tunnel-to-run-to-mt-roskill-before-following-sh20-to-the-airport |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128034022/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/460377/auckland-light-rail-tunnel-to-run-to-mt-roskill-before-following-sh20-to-the-airport |archive-date=28 January 2022|url-status=live}} The newly elected coalition government cancelled the project in January 2024.{{cite web|title=Government Cancels Auckland Light Rail|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-cancels-auckland-light-rail|publisher=Simeon Brown, Minister for Transport, Beehive|date=14 January 2024|access-date=5 May 2024}}

File:AT Bus Pictogram.svg for buses]]

File:Auckland Transport CRRC Electric Bus.JPG electric bus with 2023 AT branding]]

File:Auckland Howick & Eastern - Enviro500 MMC @ 70, Symonds Street (20240203) (53543777329) (cropped).jpg double-decker bus ]]

File:Auckland Ritchies - Enviro200 XLB @ 95B, Fanshawe Street (20240203) (53543455346) (cropped).jpg in the Auckland CBD]]

Buses provide for around 70% of public transport trips in Auckland. Most routes are classified as either "frequent", "connector" or "local", with distinguishing features being minimum baseline standards for frequencies and operating hours.{{Cite web |title=What defines a busy bus route? |url=https://abley.com/our-insights/busy-bus-route |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=abley.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Auckland Transport prepares big push on key bus routes |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/106049920/auckland-transport-prepares-big-push-on-key-bus-routes |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}} Bus services classed as frequent generally run from around 6am to midnight and are required to operate at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm.{{Cite web |last=Lowrie |first=Matt |date=2025-02-09 |title=2024s Busiest Bus Routes |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2025/02/10/2024s-busiest-bus-routes/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Justin |date=2024-10-05 |title=Yes you can live car-free in Auckland – if you choose your suburb wisely |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/10/05/yes-you-can-live-car-free-in-auckland-if-you-choose-your-suburb-wisely/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=1News |language=en}}

A limited number of buses linking Auckland's suburbs and city centre after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights only, with Northern Express services on the Northern Busway on the North Shore running half-hourly until 3:00 a.m.{{cite web|url=https://at.govt.nz/media/1973898/n08_nex_june-2016-web-v3.pdf|access-date=29 July 2017|title=Northern Express|work=Auckland Transport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730142233/https://at.govt.nz/media/1973898/n08_nex_june-2016-web-v3.pdf|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=dead}}

Services are contracted by Auckland Transport (AT) and operated by a number of private companies, including:

• Bayes Coachlines – only operates 989 Milldale loop.
• Go Bus
• Howick & Eastern Buses
• NZ Bus
• Pavlovich Transport Solutions
• Ritchies Transport
• Tranzurban Auckland (Tranzit Group) – contracted operator of NX2 services on the Northern Busway.{{cite web|url= http://auckland.tranzurban.co.nz/about-us|title=About Us {{!}} Tranzurban|year=2018|publisher=Tranzurban|access-date=2 October 2018 |quote=Tranzurban is the newest addition to Tranzit Group and will operate a part of the new North Shore bus network from September 2018 in collaboration with Auckland Transport.}} Also operates Western Express, 11T, 11W and 12 (previously 120) after April 2025 changes.
• Waiheke Bus Company (by Fullers, 5 routes)

AT began rebranding bus services to AT Metro in 2014–2015 to create a single identity for all bus services, with some exceptions like the Link buses which retained their red, green and orange colours.{{cite news|url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/at-metro-brand-makes-its-debut|title=AT Metro brand makes its debut|date=16 December 2014|work=Auckland Transport|access-date=11 June 2016}} In 2023, AT began decommissioning the AT Metro brand, replacing it with the refreshed AT brand identity. The livery colours are being retained.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |date=2024-03-03 |title=Brand identity guidelines |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/brand-identity-guidelines |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |title=New Zealand's first fully electric bus depot unveiled |url=https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/143389/new-zealand-first-electric-bus-depot/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Intelligent Transport |language=en}} File:Auckland Tranzit - BCI Citirider @ NX2, Victoria Park (20240202) (53543466601) (cropped).jpg operating as a Northern Express service]]

There are five Link services; all accept fare payment by AT HOP card or bank card and all run from early morning to late evening, 7 days of the week.{{cite web|url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/bus-services/link-bus-service/|access-date=8 July 2018|title=Link bus service|publisher=Auckland Transport}}

• CityLink – red electric buses; Wynyard Quarter – Queen Street – Karangahape Road
• InnerLink – green buses – both way loop; Britomart (Waitematā) – Parnell – Newmarket – Karangahape Road – Ponsonby Road – Victoria Park – Britomart Waitematā.
• OuterLink – amber buses; Newmarket – Parnell – Wellesley Street – Herne Bay – Westmere – Mount Albert – St Lukes.
• TāmakiLink – blue electric buses; Britomart (Waitematā) – Spark Arena – Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium – Mission Bay – Kohimarama Beach – St Heliers Bay – Glen Innes.
• AirportLink – orange electric buses; Manukau – Puhinui – Auckland Airport

The new Manukau Bus Station (next to Manukau Station) was officially opened in April 2018 and bus services from the new facility began, serving South and East Auckland.{{cite news |date=7 April 2018 |title=$49m bus station opens in Manukau |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/354373/49m-bus-station-opens-in-manukau |access-date=10 April 2018 |work=RNZ News}}{{cite web |title=Manukau's new bus station opens |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/manukau-s-new-bus-station-opens/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414014821/https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/manukau-s-new-bus-station-opens/ |archive-date=14 April 2018 |access-date=5 April 2018 |publisher=Auckland Transport}} Previously the TāmakiLink was the only mainland Link service to have a non-loop designed route, but since the Central Crosstown Bus Changes in November of 2024, the OuterLink also now operates a non-loop design route.

The AirportLink bus provides a connection to Puhinui Station where Southern Line or Eastern Line services connect from Britomart Station, officially known as Waitematā, in downtown Auckland. It also serves Manukau Station to provide connections to the east. Bus 38 connects the Airport to Māngere and Onehunga.{{cite web |url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/bus-services/airport-services |title=Airport Services |website=Auckland Transport |accessdate=13 July 2023}}

There are a total of 15 routes as part of the Night Bus and Northern Express bus services which operate on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 00:00 and 03:30.{{cite web |url=https://at.govt.nz/media/1980980/nr_night-bus_august-2019-web.pdf|title=Night Bus. Fri & Sat Nights (Effective from August 2019)|date=2019-08-01|website=Auckland Transport |access-date=2022-05-19}} Most routes depart the city centre on an hourly basis although the Northern Express bus route NX1 is more frequent.{{cite web |url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/bus-services/night-bus/|title=Night bus|website=Auckland Transport |access-date=2022-05-19}} The night bus services were paused during COVID but returned on 2 December 2021 when AT's Group Manager Metro Services Stacey van der Putten noted that AT was "bringing back a wide range of our 'Night Buses' services this weekend to help support our city's hospitality sector and to make it easier for town-goers and hospitality workers alike to get home safely and affordably in the early hours."{{cite web |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/at-brings-back-night-buses-to-support-the-city-s-hospitality-sector/|date=2021-12-02|title=AT brings back Night Buses to support the city's hospitality sector|website=Auckland Transport |access-date=2022-05-19}}

Some Night Buses run extensions of their primary route, most notably, routes 18, 82 and 94. Route 18 extends to Henderson via Great North Road, 82 extends to Browns Bay via East Coast Bays & 94 extends to Smales Farm via Glenfield.

The following table shows the 20 busiest bus routes in Auckland by boardings in 2024.{{Cite web |title=AT Metro bus performance report – January 2024 to December 2024 |url=https://at.govt.nz/media/vhafxzx3/auckland-transport-bus-performance-report-january-to-december-2024.xlsx |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=Auckland Transport}}

Auckland Transport currently runs one On-Demand service in the Papakura-Takanini catchment (as outlined by Auckland Transport). This service is named AT Local, and is designed to serve communities around Takanini & Papakura where either the customer is unable to access public transport or public transport can not serve an area. This hail-and-ride service is provided by Ritchies Transport Holdings who operate three Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.

There is ongoing consultation around a plan to move the AT Local to a new bus service, the 364, but so far only a route map has been released.{{Cite web |title=Replacing AT Local and improving public transport in Takaanini and Papakura |url=https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/takaanini-pt |access-date=2025-07-10 |website=Have your say {{!}} Auckland Transport |language=en}} According to the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) released by Auckland Transport in 2023, the Pukekohe bus routes 391, 392, 393 (and possibly 394) were likely to be replaced by AT Local, but there is not much evidence to show the plan is still going ahead.

There are two bus services running within Auckland that fall under the definition of "exempt" services in the Land Transport Management Act. Exempt services are commercially-run public transport services that do not receive funding or subsidies from government organizations such as AT.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan 2023-2031 |url=https://at.govt.nz/media/2czpcmqb/aucklands-regional-public-transport-plan-2023-2031-adopted-november-2023.pdf |access-date=25 April 2025 |publisher=Auckland Transport |page=99}}

Mahu City Express has run a commuter bus from Snells Beach to Parnell{{Cite web |title=Luxury Commuting On eCoaches. Round-Trip Bus From Auckland to Warkworth |url=https://www.mahucityexpress.co.nz/luxury-commuting/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=Mahu City Express |language=en-NZ}} since October 2015. It runs twice a day, Monday to Friday, taking about an hour for the {{Convert|57|km|abbr=on}} from Warkworth to Victoria Park,{{Cite web |title=Victoria Park to Warkworth |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Victoria+Park+Victoria+Street+West,+Auckland+CBD,+Auckland/Warkworth/@-36.621648,174.4236851,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0d47f31feff2f1:0xf00ef62249cbf80!2m2!1d174.754178!2d-36.8469198!1m5!1m1!1s0x6d0cdef4c6be300b:0x500ef6143a31830!2m2!1d174.6605976!2d-36.3970407!3e0 |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=Google maps |language=en}} with stops at Smales Farm Station and Akoranga Station. Since 1 March 2021 the first electric luxury coach in the country has been on the route.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2021 |title=Mahu City Express launches electric coach service |url=https://www.localmatters.co.nz/mahurangi-news/mahu-city-express-launches-electric-coach-service/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=Local Matters |language=en-US}} It uses a 40-seat Yutong TCe12, bought with the aid of a $352,500 EECA grant.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2021 |title=Herald of the Future – Mahu City Express, NZ |url=https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/2104/herald-of-the-future-mahu-city-express-nz |access-date=2 November 2021 |website=BusNews.com.au |language=en}}

The SkyDrive bus provides a direct bus connection between Auckland Airport and Auckland CBD.{{Cite web |last=Granville |first=Alan |date=2022-05-01 |title=Welcome to New Zealand, here's how to escape the airport |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/128491969/welcome-to-new-zealand-heres-how-to-escape-the-airport |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Previously, SkyBus provided direct bus services, however the service ceased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Sam |date=2021-12-17 |title=Alert: There is no airport bus service in Auckland or Wellington |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/17-12-2021/alert-there-is-no-airport-bus-service-in-auckland-or-wellington |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}}

Both services are classified as "non-integral" exempt services, meaning that AT would not otherwise fund a service to fulfill their function if they were not being run commercially (unlike the Waiheke Ferry which is an integral exempt service).

Additionally, Busit on behalf of Waikato Regional Council operate two bus services that serve Franklin region of Auckland and Northern Waikato area. These are Routes 21 and 44.

[https://www.busit.co.nz/regional-services/northern-connector/ Route 21] has a once daily return trip between Pukekohe Shops, Pukekohe Station, Huntly and Hamilton, with the northbound departure to Pukekohe in the morning and the southbound departure to Huntly & Hamilton in the evening, this extension is seen as an alternative to driving between Hamilton and Auckland. Meanwhile [https://www.busit.co.nz/regional-services/pokeno-to-pukekohe/ Route 44] is isolated from the wider Busit network in Hamilton, running between Pukekohe Station & Pokeno, operating on average every 25-60 minutes to connect Tuakau, Pokeno, Meremere and Mercer to the wider Auckland network as an alternative to driving.

File:Aklbusway06.jpg looking north along the Tristram Avenue viaduct]]

Auckland has a growing number of bus lanes, some of which operate at peak times only and others 24 hours a day. These lanes are for buses and two-wheeled vehicles only and are intended to reduce congestion and shorten travel times. All are sign-posted and marked on the road surface.

The Central Connector bus lane project improved links between Newmarket and the inner city, while bus lanes are also planned on Remuera Road and St Johns Road to connect the city with the Eastern Bays suburbs.

The Northern Busway provides complete separation for buses from general traffic between Akoranga Station (near Takapuna) and Albany Station. In the near future, a new station will be built between Albany and Constellation Station called Rosedale Station. It will serve the nearby Industrial Area.{{cite web |date=21 August 2015 |title=Northern Corridor Newsletter – August 2015 21 August 2015 |url=http://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/auckland-northern-corridor/14262-NZTA-Northern-Corridor-Newsletter-web-F.pdf |access-date=23 July 2017 |publisher=New Zealand Transport Agency}} In the long-term plans remain to extend the busway to Hibiscus Coast Station, and Orewa.{{cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Supporting growth in the north |url=https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/supporting-growth-delivering-transport-networks/supporting-growth-in-the-north/ |access-date=26 December 2017 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-US}}

The Eastern Busway (AMETI) is currently being constructed to connect Botany and Panmure with a separated busway along Ti Rakau Drive, onto Pakuranga Road and Lagoon Drive. Pre-construction began in late 2018, with the removal of houses along Pakuranga Road due to be complete by April 2019. Stage one connecting Panmure and Pakuranga opened in 2021, with continued construction of the busway from Pakuranga to Botany being completed by 2027. A new Botany station is due to be completed by this time.{{Cite web |title=Eastern Busway Construction Timeline |url=https://easternbusway.nz/attachments/docs/eastern-busway-constructio-dt20250305173742180.pdf |access-date=9 April 2025 |website=Eastern Busway}}

Other planned busways include the Northwestern Busway{{cite news |last=@BernardOrsman |first=Bernard Orsman Super City reporter, NZ Herald bernard orsman@nzherald co nz |date=15 September 2016 |title=Northwestern busway to get green light |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11710461 |access-date=26 December 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |issn=1170-0777}} between Westgate and the city centre (possibly to be built as light-rail instead of a busway) and a bus connection between Auckland Airport and Botany. There are currently small sections of bus lanes on SH16 between Westgate and Newton Rd as an interim "short-term" improvement before the Northwestern Busway is built.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Northwestern Bus Improvements |url=https://at.govt.nzhttps//at.govt.nz/northwestbus |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}} File:InterCity_Volvo_B11R,_(ex_Manabus)_at_Skycity_in_2021.jpg (ex. ManaBus) at SkyCity in 2021, going to Tauranga]]

Long-distance bus operator InterCity links Auckland with all the main centres in the North Island,[http://www.intercity.co.nz/bookings/ Bookings] (from the InterCity website. Retrieved 16 February 2008.) also operating the budget-orientated SKIP Bus services.{{cite web |date=21 November 2018 |title=New budget coach service, Skip, hits North Island roads |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12163946 |access-date=15 January 2019 |work=New Zealand Herald}} Skip buses were suspended from 25 March 2020.{{Cite web |title=COVID-19 Updates |url=https://entradatravelgroup.com/entrada-travel-group-covid-19-updates/ |access-date=29 April 2021 |website=Entrada Travel Group |language=en-NZ}} Until 18 August 1996 InterCity services operated from Auckland railway station. Since then they have run from SkyCity.{{Cite web |title=InterCity NZ |url=https://www.facebook.com/InterCityNZ/photos/a.285413063184/10159616629428185/ |access-date=17 August 2021 |website=Facebook |language=en}} SkyCity wants the bus station to move and it has been criticised for diesel fumes and poor toilets.{{Cite web |date=24 February 2020 |title=Auckland's Wonderful Long-Distance Bus Terminal |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2020/02/25/aucklands-wonderful-long-distance-bus-terminal/ |access-date=17 August 2021 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}} However, InterCity rejected a move to Manukau and, in 2020, plans to move back to the old railway station were dropped.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2020 |title=Contested plan for bus terminal on Auckland Māori land dropped |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/120800342/contested-plan-for-bus-terminal-on-auckland-mori-land-dropped |access-date=17 August 2021 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

File:AT Train Pictogram.svg for trains]]

File:AucklandRailMap.png

File:Auckland Rapid Tranist Network Map.jpg

{{Main|Light rail in Auckland|City Rail Link|Auckland railway electrification}}

Auckland's urban train services are operated under the AT brand by Auckland One Rail. Trains and stations are owned by Auckland Transport, while tracks and other rail infrastructure are owned by KiwiRail.

There are four commuter rail lines:{{Cite web|url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2018/07/31/august-18-train-timetable-change/|title=August-18 train timetable change|date=31 July 2018|website=Greater Auckland|language=en-US|access-date=2 March 2019}}{{cite web |title=Timetables |url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/timetables |website=Auckland Transport |access-date=23 April 2024}}{{cite web |title=The Onehunga Line Change |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2022/06/20/the-onehunga-line-change/ |date=20 June 2022 |website=Greater Auckland |access-date=23 April 2024}}

Since the opening of Britomart Station, significant improvements have been made to urban rail services.

Project DART upgraded the core rail network between 2006 and 2012, including double-tracking the Western Line, completed in 2010,{{cite news |date=July 2010 |title=Auckland's rail renaissance |work=Region Wide |pages=3 |agency=Auckland Regional Council}} constructing the Manukau Branch line from Wiri to Manukau City Centre, completed in 2012, rebuilding and reconfiguring Newmarket railway station, completed in 2010, and reopening the disused Onehunga Branch line for passengers{{cite news |author=Dearnaley, Mathew |date=14 March 2007 |title=Delight at Government's decision to reopen Onehunga line |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10428642 |access-date=4 November 2011 |work=The New Zealand Herald}} in September 2010. Further track infrastructure improvements have taken the form of the construction of a Third Main Line in the south of the city.{{Cite news |last=Forbes |first=Stephen |date=7 Aug 2020 |title=Auckland's Third Main rail line works begin |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/422985/auckland-s-third-main-rail-line-works-begin |access-date=9 Apr 2025 |publisher=RNZ}}

Another major track infrastructure project is the Avondale-Southdown Line, a line between Avondale in west Auckland and the Southdown Freight Terminal, to allow freight trains to avoid Newmarket and reduce delays for both freight and passenger trains. The idea of this rail link has been discussed since the 1950s and KiwiRail owns most of the land in the designated railway corridor where the line is planned. The project was included in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. {{as of|April 2025}} no funding has been allocated to progress the project.{{Cite news |last=Orsman |first=Bernard |date=19 Sep 2023 |title=6KiwiRail unveils plans for new $6b rail line between Avondale and Southdown |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/kiwirail-unveils-plans-for-new-6b-rail-line-between-avondale-and-southdown-in-auckland/KiwiRail |access-date=9 Apr 2025 |publisher=NewstalkZB}}{{Cite news |last=Burr |first=Lloyd |date=1 Jan 2025 |title=Explained: Auckland's next multi-billion-dollar rail project |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/360530484/explained-aucklands-next-multi-billion-dollar-rail-project |access-date=9 Apr 2025 |publisher=Stuff}}

In recent months, residents and TRAC (The Rail Advocacy Collective) have held meetings in Auckland's northwestern township of Huapai to petition the incumbent rail operators, Auckland Transport & KiwiRail, to restart talks around running a train service on the North Auckland Line out to Huapai.{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360721927/bottleneck-road-results-calls-restore-passenger-train-service-aucklands-kumeu-huapai |access-date=2025-07-10 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}} Previously, a trial service ran between Britomart and Helensville in late 2008, but due to the patronage targets not being met, the service was ultimately cancelled indefinitely. Until Population growth in Kumeu & Huapai occurred, although there are buses, they are often held up in the heavy peak time traffic along the stretch of State Highway 16 between Taupaki and Waimauku roundabouts.

Infrastructure and rolling stock improvements have allowed for significant increases in the numbers of services. Sunday services were reintroduced in October 2005 for the first time in over 40 years, together with a general 25% service frequency increase.{{cite news |last=Dearnaley |first=Mathew |date=11 October 2005 |title=Sunday trains come back to Auckland |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10349645 |access-date=12 January 2011 |work=The New Zealand Herald}} The Auckland railway electrification allowed for the purchase of a standardised fleet of new electric trains, with an initial purchase of 57 units. The first electric passenger services operated in April 2014. Between 2022 and 2025, the section of line between Papakura and Pukekohe was electrified, allowing for electric services to operate on the last remaining section of the urban network that had not been electrified. {{Cite news |date=27 April 2014 |title='Stunning' electric trains launched – but soon face delays |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11245293 |access-date=26 December 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |issn=1170-0777}}{{Cite news |last=Waters |first=Victor |date=3 Feb 2025 |title=New electrified train line creates a buzz among Pukekohe residents |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540775/new-electrified-train-line-creates-a-buzz-among-pukekohe-residents |publisher=RNZ}}{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Jessica |date=3 Feb 2025 |title=Trains return to Pukekohe after two-year station closure |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540681/trains-return-to-pukekohe-after-two-year-station-closure |access-date=9 Apr 2025 |publisher=RNZ}} A second batch of 15 trains was ordered in 2017 and a third batch of 23 trains was ordered in 2022, increasing the quantity of rolling stock available to run more frequent and higher capacity services. {{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/115465213/aucklands-new-commuter-trains-on-way-from-spain |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}{{Cite web |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |date=2022-02-01 |title=Auckland rail: 23 new commuter trains, costing $330m, take city fleet to 95 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/127650968/auckland-rail-23-new-commuter-trains-costing-330m-take-city-fleet-to-95 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

There have also been several station rebuilds, along with plans for new stations. Otahuhu Station was extensively rebuilt to connect with a new bus interchange. It was reopened in October 2016 to coincide with the launching of a new bus network timetable in South Auckland, Pukekohe and Waiuku.{{cite web |date=29 October 2016 |title=Otahuhu's new transport hub the 'way to go' – Goff |url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/316829/otahuhu%27s-new-transport-hub-the-%27way-to-go%27-goff |access-date=26 March 2017}} Puhinui Station was also rebuilt as a bus-rail interchange to connect Auckland Airport with Manukau Bus Station. The new interchange opened on 26 July 2021.{{cite web |title=Airport to Botany Rapid Transit |url=https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/airport-to-botany-rapid-transit/ |access-date=23 May 2019 |publisher=Auckland Transport}}{{Cite web |date=1 July 2021 |title=Puhinui Station set for reopening with stunning design |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/puhinui-station-set-for-reopening-with-stunning-new-design/ |publisher=Auckland Transport}}{{Cite web |date=27 July 2021 |title=Puhinui Station reopens Monday 26th July 2021 |url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/puhinui-station-reopens-monday-26-july-2021/ |publisher=Auckland Transport}} Construction of new stations at Drury Central, Drury West and Paerātā is underway and is expected to be completed in 2026.{{Cite web |title=Drury Rail Stations |url=https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/our-network/our-regions/amp/drury-rail-stations/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=KiwiRail |language=en-US}}

These improvements have led to rapid growth in rail ridership, from a low of 1 million annual boardings in 1994 to over 20 million in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Auckland train patronage anticipated to hit 60 million |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/auckland-city-harbour-news/96353487/auckland-train-patronage-anticipated-to-hit-60-million |access-date=26 December 2017 |website=Stuff}} Increasing train frequencies to meet further growth is not possible because of the "dead end" at Britomart Station which means all trains entering and exiting the station need to use the same two tracks. In 2016 construction started on the City Rail Link project, a tunnel between Britomart Station and Maungawhau Station designed to address these constraints, provide greater route flexibility across the entire network, and create a more direct route for Western Line services.{{cite web |date=27 February 2017 |title=Pukekohe to Huapai rail line suggested |url=http://m.nzherald.co.nz/transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=97&objectid=11808581 |access-date=17 March 2017 |work=The New Zealand Herald}}

{{Rapid transit OSM map

| system_qid = Q126273306

| frame-lat = -36.9

| frame-long = 174.82

| frame-width = 850

| frame-height = 700

| zoom = 11

| length = yes

}}

While Auckland was historically served by a variety of long-distance passenger train services, including the Kaimai Express and Geyserland Express as recently as 2001, it currently only has two. There have been proposals to reintroduce long-distance services, including a network of higher speed rail services linking Auckland with other locations in the Upper North Island, {{Cite web |title=Regional Rapid Rail |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/regional-rapid-rail/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}} as well as an overnight sleeper train to Wellington.{{Cite web |title=The Post |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350026117/auckland-wellington-perfect-route-sleeper-train-rail-conference-told |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=www.thepost.co.nz}}{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Guest |date=2021-07-20 |title=Is there a case for an overnight sleeper train between Auckland and Wellington? |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2021/07/21/is-there-a-case-for-an-overnight-sleeper-train-between-auckland-and-wellington/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=The Post |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350382367/calls-resurrect-wellington-auckland-night-train |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=www.thepost.co.nz}} So far the only proposal to eventuate has been the reintroduction of a service connecting Auckland to the neighboring Waikato Region in 2021 known as Te Huia. While this expanded the long-distance passenger rail options out of Auckland (which had previously just been served by the Northern Explorer), the service is still limited by low service frequencies and high travel times.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-06 |title=Long-awaited train service between Waikato and Auckland begins |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/439867/long-awaited-train-service-between-waikato-and-auckland-begins |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |last=L |first=Matt |date=2021-04-18 |title=Improving Te Huia |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2021/04/19/improving-te-huia/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}}

File:AT Ferry Pictogram.svg for ferries]]

File:Wanderer (Auckland Ferry).jpg

The first official ferry started in 1854, the first steam ferry in 1860,{{cn|date=April 2025}} the first scheduled ferry in 1865, Auckland & North Shore Steam Ferry Co in 1869, Devonport Steam Ferry Company in 1885, a vehicle ferry in 1911 and North Shore Ferries in 1959.{{cite book |title=North Shore Heritage - Thematic Review Report |date=1 July 2011 |publisher=Auckland Council |isbn=978-1-927169-23-0 |url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/arts-culture-heritage/heritage/heritagesurveys/north-shore-heritage-thematic-review-volume-2.1.pdf}}

In 1981 George and Douglas Hudson bought North Shore Ferries and Waiheke Shipping Co. In 1984 they founded Gulf Ferries, and their first catamaran, the $3m Quickcat, cut the Waiheke ferry time from 75 minutes to 40,{{Cite news|url=https://issuu.com/fullersferries/docs/hq__less__fullers_captain_mag_52pp_|title=Captain magazine, summer 2015|work=Issuu|access-date=25 February 2018|language=en}} with Fullers putting Kea on the Devonport route from 1988. Fullers Corporation was mainly operating cruises and, in 1987, when they introduced Supercat III,{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzmaritimeindex.org.nz/izvessel.php?ID=49020204&name=SUPERCAT&db=&dm=&ds=&dh=&gsn=&owner=&num=&sh=&st=&sd=&svv=&typ=&tid=0&tix=0&tot=6&wds=&pix=0&sourceid=&refid=&hit=6|title=New Zealand Maritime Index from NZNMM|website=nzmaritimeindex.org.nz|access-date=25 February 2018}} they were refused a licence to compete on Waiheke commuter trips.{{Cite web|url=http://atrf.info/papers/1988/1988_Baxter_Gammie.pdf|title=Review of NZ Passenger Licensing System|last=Brlan Baxter|first=Fergus Gammie|date=1988}} The Hudsons bought Fullers from its 1988 receivership{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K6-8BQAAQBAJ&q=%22Fullers+Corporation%22+Ltd&pg=PT90|title=Who Pays the Ferryman?|last=Pedersen|first=Roy|date=1 September 2013|publisher=Birlinn|isbn=9780857906038|language=en}} and formed Fullers Group Ltd in 1994 and Stagecoach took a majority holding in 1998.{{Cite web|url=http://www.omnibus.org.nz/buslocation/hino/rb145.html|title=Omnibus Society - Hino RB145 buses|last=Butler|first=Michael|website=omnibus.org.nz|access-date=25 February 2018}} In 2009, Souter Holdings purchased Fullers Group and also 360 Discovery Cruises.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fullers.co.nz/about-us/our-history/|title=Our History|website=FullersFerries|language=en|access-date=25 February 2018}}

In 2022, Auckland Transport (AT) purchased four diesel ferries that were in dire need of repair from Fullers, and is upgrading them to reduce their emissions.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title='Absolute mess': Questions over $351m Auckland ferry deal despite cancelled services |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-ferries-services-cancelled-after-fullers-awarded-350-million-contract-by-auckland-transport/IO4KDWDBZJAKNN523BTPZT5IGY/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=Auckland's ferries to be publicly owned in $100m shake-up of transport services |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129283230 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}} File:AucklandFerryRoutes.png

File:Auckland Ferry Terminal.jpg, 2007]]

{{Main|List of Auckland ferries}}

Around 7 million ferry trips per year were made in Auckland in prior to COVID-19. Yearly patronage decreased to 3 million in 2021, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on public transport.

Most ferry routes start from Downtown Auckland and have no intermediate stops. The ferry operators are:

• Fullers360
• SeaLink
• Belaire (West Harbour and Rakino Island){{cite web|url=https://belaire.co.nz |title=Belaire Ferries}}
• Explore (Tiritiri Matangi Island, Bayswater and Birkenhead / Northcote Point){{cite web|url=https://www.exploregroup.co.nz/auckland/tiritiri-matangi-island/tiritiri-matangi-island-ferry |title=Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry Service}}{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Ferry good news: Auckland Transport announces Explore Group will operate Bayswater, and Birkenhead / Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry routes |url=https://at.govt.nzhttps//at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2023-media-releases/ferry-good-news-auckland-transport-announces-explore-group-will-operate-bayswater-and-birkenhead-te-onewa-northcote-point-ferry-routes |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}}

{{Main|Auckland Ferry Terminal}}

The Auckland Ferry Terminal is in downtown Auckland on Quay Street, between Princes Wharf and the container port, directly opposite Britomart Station.

• North Shore terminals: Devonport, Bayswater, Northcote Point, Birkenhead, Beach Haven, Gulf Harbour
• East Auckland terminals: Half Moon Bay, Pine Harbour
• Waitematā Harbour's western terminals: West Harbour, Hobsonville

Ferries also connect the city with islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Regular sailings serve Waiheke Island, with less frequent services to Great Barrier Island, Rangitoto Island, Motutapu Island and other inner-gulf islands, primarily for tourism.

There are no ferry services on the west coast of Auckland, although there were some historical services from Onehunga. None are planned, as the city's waterfront orientation is much stronger towards the (eastern) Waitematā Harbour than to the (western) Manukau Harbour.

In June 2025, Auckland's first electric commuter ferry was launched and is expected to enter service later in the year. The vessel is the first of two fully electric ferries commissioned by Auckland Transport, with the second ferry currently under construction at Auckland boatbuilder McMullen & Wing. Both vessels will have capacity for 200 passengers and have been built with an approximate cost of $20 million. To support operations of the ferries, electric charging infrastructure is set to be installed at the Downtown, Half Moon Bay, and Hobsonville ferry terminals. In addition to the fully electric ferries, Auckland Transport has commissioned two 300-passenger hybrid-electric ferries, with the first expected to launch later in 2025. There is the potential to obtain a further five electric or hybrid-electric ferries, subject to funding decisions made the New Zealand Government who provided two-thirds of the funding for the initial batch of ferries. While the ferries will be publicly owned by Auckland Transport (a departure from the typical Auckland model of ferries owned by private operators), they will initially be operated by Fullers360. {{Cite web |date=2025-06-11 |title=Auckland's new electric ferries set to make waves worldwide |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/563833/auckland-s-new-electric-ferries-set-to-make-waves-worldwide |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |date=2025-07-03 |title=Watch: Auckland’s first electric ferry is on the water - but chargers way behind schedule |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/watch-aucklands-first-electric-ferry-is-on-the-water-but-chargers-behind-schedule-funding-for-more-boats-squeezed/CKYV5ZRGJBFRNDOEHGUW3GUW5A/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |title=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/green-travel/300571712/electric-ferries-coming-to-auckland-with-govt-expected-to-commit-27m-funding |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}

{{main|AT HOP card}}

An integrated ticketing / smartcard system, known as the AT HOP card, was developed for Auckland by Thales, similar to systems like the Octopus card in Hong Kong.{{cite news|title=Integrated ticketing|date=July 2010|work=Region Wide|agency=Auckland Regional Council|pages=3}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/local-government/news/article.cfm?c_id=250&objectid=10696356|title=$1m budget to help publicise Hop Card|last=Dearnaley|first=Mathew|date=24 December 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=30 January 2011}}

The first stage of integrated ticketing came online in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011, with construction works for the 'tag on' / 'tag off' infrastructure having begun in January 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/about-us/News/LatestNews/Pages/Media-Release-Integrated-Ticketing-Construction.aspx|title=Start of Construction For Integrated Ticketing|date=24 January 2011|work=Press Release, Auckland Transport|access-date=30 January 2011}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The 'HOP Card' was publicised with a $1 million publicity campaign that started in early 2011.

The AT HOP card system went live in October 2012 for trains, November 2012 for ferries and between June 2013 and March 2014 for buses.{{cite web|url=http://www.athop.co.nz/what-is-AT-HOP/bus-rollout-schedule/Pages/default.aspx|title=Planned bus roll-out schedule|publisher=Auckland Transport|access-date=30 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210040904/http://www.athop.co.nz/what-is-AT-HOP/bus-rollout-schedule/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=10 February 2014|url-status=dead}}

In 2016, Auckland Transport simplified fares by changing to a system based on 13 fare zones. The fare is no longer based on the distance travelled (number of stages), but on the number of zones passed through, so that a journey in a zone that involves multiple rides or even a mode mix (bus or train) will be charged only one fare.{{cite web|url=https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/fares-discounts/fare-zones-calculating-how-much-you-pay/|title=Fare zones & calculating how much you pay|publisher=Auckland Transport|access-date=8 September 2017}} Ferries are not included in the simplified fares system and are charged per ride.

A national ticketing system (branded as Motu Move) has been proposed by Waka Kotahi which will "improve public transport for New Zealanders through a standardised approach to paying for public transport which will provide a common customer experience no matter where you are in the country." Auckland is set to receive the system by 2026.{{Cite web |title=National Ticketing Solution {{!}} Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency |url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/public-transport/national-ticketing-solution/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=www.nzta.govt.nz}}

In 2023, AT announced bus, train and ferry passengers would be able to 'tag on/off' with contactless payments (debit/credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay) in addition to AT HOP cards by June 2024.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Swipe right on public transport! PayWave, Google Pay and Apple Pay coming soon |url=https://at.govt.nzhttps//at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2023-media-releases/swipe-right-on-public-transport-paywave-google-pay-and-apple-pay-coming-soon |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}} This was implemented in November 2024.{{cite web |title=More ways to pay your way |url=https://at.govt.nz/waystopay |website=Auckland Transport |access-date=20 December 2024 |language=en-nz |date=25 November 2024}}

By 2028, AT HOP cards will have been fully replaced by Motu Move prepaid cards and contactless payments.

A number of groups advocate for improving public transport in Auckland. Some groups operate prominent blogs, participate in public discussions on social media and prepare plans advocating for particular improvements. These groups include:

• Greater Auckland
• Generation Zero
• Campaign for Better Transport
• Public Transport Users Association{{cite web |url=http://www.ptua.org.nz |title=Public Transport Users Association of New Zealand |access-date=30 September 2018}}

• List of Auckland railway stations
• Public transport in New Zealand
• Rail transport in New Zealand
• Transport in Auckland
• Trolleybuses in Auckland
• Light rail in Auckland

{{Reflist}}

{{subject bar|auto=y|d=y|Public transport|New Zealand}}

• [https://at.govt.nz/ Auckland Transport] (website of the region's local government transport body)
• [https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/our-network/our-regions/amp/ Auckland Metro rail] KiwiRail projects page
• [http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz//tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc02Cycl-t1-body1-d1-d58.html Wheel Traffic (Tramways etc) in Cyclopaedia of New Zealand Volume II (Auckland) of 1902]
• [https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/search/searchterm/downtown%20bus!municipal%20transport!1940-1979/field/all!all!date/mode/exact!exact!exact/conn/or!and!and Photos of Downtown Municipal Transport Centre (now Waitematā) in 1940s to 1970s]

{{Public transport in Auckland}}{{Bus transport in New Zealand}}{{Public transport in New Zealand}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Public Transport in Auckland}}

Category:Public transport in Auckland

Category:Articles containing video clips