Auckland public transport hits 7-year high as fuel prices surge

Amid soaring fuel prices across New Zealand, Auckland recorded its busiest day on public transport in seven years.

The surge in public transport use came after a cost breakdown revealed that public transportation is the cheapest way to travel in Auckland.

Several petrol stations have run dry this week, while 91-octane has pushed well past $3 a litre against the backdrop of the war in Iran.

Auckland councillor Richard Hills said Tuesday was Auckland’s busiest day on public transport since 2019, with Auckland recording 7000 more trips than the previous busiest day, which was two weeks ago.

“It’s great to see more people choosing public transport and trying it out. Even a trip or two a week can make a difference to your time and money and make a positive difference to congestion and environment in our city,” Hills said.

He said Tuesday’s patronage was 7% higher than it was the previous week.

Auckland Transport (AT) told the Herald this uptick was not entirely due to a response to the rising fuel prices.

The first week of March was the busiest period on the transport network this year, with 2.217 million trips taken on buses, trains and ferry services.

“This is more down to more people using public transport rather than a response to fuel prices,” AT said.

AT said another reason for the increase could be the start of the new university semester and a recent increase in tertiary student discounts from 20% to 40%.

AT said it was expecting more Aucklanders to use public transport over the coming weeks as fuel prices rose.

“We are at peak of the peak.

“Ideally over the coming weeks we will maintain that and depending how the oil situation goes, grow from there,” AT said.

Amid soaring fuel prices across New Zealand, Auckland recorded its busiest day on public transport in seven years. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Is it cheaper to use public transport?

Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten told the Herald before the conflict began last month that the cost of public transport was roughly the same as the cost of driving a vehicle in Auckland, but things have changed.

“We can confidently say that the cost of driving 15km in or out of the city is now roughly double the cost of travelling the same distance by public transport,” she said.

Other councils across New Zealand are encouraging commuters to use other forms of transport due to rising fuel costs.

Earlier this week, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said Nelsonians may have work colleagues in the same neighbourhood or en route with whom they can alternate taking a car.

“Settled autumn weather like that forecast this week, neither too hot or cold, is ideal for biking.”

Smith said everyone’s work and transport circumstances were different.

The council’s role is to “provide infrastructure for the full range of transport choices from cars, buses and bikes to walking”, he said.

“However, the current high fuel prices and risks of a shortage are a good time for people and businesses to consider and try alternatives.”

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