Public transport
Public transport is becoming more popular as the cost of driving keeps rising, and as councils and transport providers do more to make public transport more reliable and comfortable.
Yet public transport still only accounts for 5% of New Zealanders’ total travel time. [1.]
On this page
How you benefit by using public transport
Key benefits of public transport
- Cheaper than taking your car
- Quicker
- More energy efficient
- Less polluting
Public transport is great because:
- it is a cheaper way of getting around by the time you account for fuel and parking costs
- it is often quicker as trains and designated bus lanes can by-pass traffic jams
- you can relax and use the time
- you don't have the hassle of finding a car park
- it is energy efficient – more people can travel for less fuel consumption: if you are on an electric-powered train or bus, even better
- it is less polluting than if everyone used their cars for every trip
- you can socialise without worrying about drink-driving.
Regional initiatives
Councils and transport providers are continuing to take steps to improve public transport.
For example, Auckland’s new Northern Busway is getting commuters from Albany to Britomart in about half the time it takes by car at peak times. In Wellington, major upgrades of the trains and trolley buses are happening.
Many public transport providers are keeping passengers informed of any delays or changes to services with mobile phone text alerts.
Take action
Compare costs with using your car
Do you really know how much it costs to use your car? You could make some significant weekly savings if you opt to use public transport.
To work out how much it costs to drive to work every week, calculate your car’s fuel consumption using our online calculator in the section Calculate your fuel economy.
Remember to add in your parking costs.
Then find out how much public transport would cost and how much you can save.
Include using public transport in your daily travel
Check your local bus/train timetables listed below or look on your local council’s website for transport providers.
More information
- Local council website directory. [Local Government NZ website.]
Public transport providers
- Auckland Quick search journey planner [MAXX Regional transport website.]
- Auckland inner city bus circuit – The Link. [Stagecoach Auckland website.]
- Christchurch bus services [Metro Christchurch website.]
- Dunedin bus services [Otago Regional Council website.]
- Timaru bus services [Metro Timaru website.]
- Waikato region passenger transport [Waikato Regional Council website.]
- Wellington (Kapiti, Porirua, Wairarapa) Metlink Journey Planner [Metlink Journey Planner website.]
Regional strategies
- Auckland TravelWise travel choices [TravelWise website. ]
- Christchurch Go Smarter travel options[Environment Canterbury Regional Council website.]
Note:
[1.] Ministry of Transport Household travel survey 2007. [Ministry of Transport website.]