The Northern Express bus service has this month (June 2010) carried its five millionth passenger across the harbour since the service started in November 2005.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) has said the bus service’s stellar performance over the last five years has seen patronage increase from just over 14,000 in its first month, to an average of 170,000 a month now. The Northern Express peaked at 210,000 passengers in March 2010, which is traditionally the month with the highest patronage figures.  

Mark Lambert, General Manager of Customer Services for ARTA, said: “The Northern Express stands out as having one of the most dramatic increases in usage throughout the whole public transport network in Auckland.

“Hitting the five million passenger journeys mark in such a short period of time is a remarkable feat. It is testament to the hard work of the operator Ritchies and effective collaboration between ARTA Auckland Regional Council (ARC), New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the North Shore City Council (NSCC).”

“It is understandable why so many Aucklander’s choose the service. Travel times on the Northern Express from Albany station to Fanshawe St at peak can be almost halved compared to travelling by car, from approximately 45 minutes to around 24 minutes.

“The success and popularity of the Northern Express can be seen in its patronage figures which have seen double digit percentage growth year on year since its inception in 2005, again, another extremely impressive result.”

“Feeder and express services that run from the suburbs and link to the Northern Express help to provide for such a viable option to driving. These have undoubtedly contributed in making the Northern Express such a well used public transport service.

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams commented that he was particularly pleased that the Northern Express ‘Flyer’ to Auckland International Airport has also provided commuters and visitors with an efficient and inexpensive public transport alternative to taxis, shuttles and private vehicles. 

Mayor Williams also stated that the significant uptake on the Northern Express service had also reduced congestion and pressure on the Northern Motorway so it also, indirectly, benefits motorists.

“With Auckland’s population set to exceed two million by 2036, developing Auckland’s public transport system is critical in freeing up the roads for commercial purposes, which will help future economic growth and the prosperity of the region."

For more information regarding the Northern Express and travel times visit maxx.co.nz

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