‘We’re working to manage the extra pressure on Auckland roads’: AT

Ask any Aucklander about the traffic situation on Auckland’s roads these days, and one word that would be common is 'mayhem.'

Since 2019, March is set to be the busiest month on the transport network. It is the time of year when we see a very congested road network and busier public transport services. The reasons for this include school and university students returning to their regular study routines for the year and workers returning from summer breaks. All these factors combine to create pressure on Auckland's transport network. One cannot deny that the ongoing shortage of bus drivers contributes to the road chaos coupled with Kiwirail completing major work on its Southern, Eastern and Western train lines.

We spoke to Auckland Transport (AT) to know what they are doing to make things better for Aucklanders this year.

“We’re putting a whole range of measures in place to help manage the extra pressure. We appreciate that many Aucklanders cannot travel off-peak, so putting on extra services for those who need to travel at peak time is our top priority. Please allow extra time for your journey and check AT's Journey Planner to see if there are alternate routes.” says AT’s Manager of Metro Optimisation, Richard Harrison.

AT also reminds customers that access to Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Anawhata, Huia, Little Huia and Whatipu is compromised and to avoid travelling to these areas.

During March, it is expected that there will be pinch points at peak traveltimes, Harrison adds, “AT encourages those who have flexibility at work to consider travelling outside peak if possible over the next few weeks as this is when there are more likely to be seats on buses, trains and ferries. We ask our customers to plan in advance as roads and public transport services continue to get busier heading into March.”

Harrison also thanked Aucklanders for their continued patience as AT continues to work closely with the bus operators to address the shortage of bus drivers.

"We have made steady progress in this space and are now at a shortfall of 393 drivers, compared with more than 500 before Christmas. Howick and Eastern added 34 new drivers in the last two weeks and are now at their full requirement of bus drivers. Waiheke Bus Company added three new drivers last week, and Go Bus has reduced the required drivers,” informs Harrison.

According to Harrison, AT will redirect the largest buses to the highest-demand routes – like the Northern Express and route 27 services.

Giving an insight, Harrison says, “We are now seeing around 80 per cent of pre-Covid patronage levels on our buses, and we are currently running around 85 per cent of our bus services, with up to five per cent suspended and up to 10 per cent cancelled daily. As more drivers come online, we expect these cancellations to reduce further."