Free bus rides for RWC ticketholders

Rugby World Cup 2011 ticketholders in Auckland will get free rides on public transport to and from matches.

Auckland RWC 2011 transport director Bruce Barnard said the move was to save ticketholders the time it would take to buy bus and train tickets.

"This in turn means faster movement to and from matches which is the name of our game," Mr Barnard said.

The free rides will be available in Auckland three hours before and after matches.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority chairman Rabin Rabindran said getting people out of their cars and on to public transport was the best way to move large crowds and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Tournament services general manager Nigel Cass said the offer of free public transport would "really impress our overseas visitors".

Organisers said free public transport had played a critical part in the success of other major events worldwide.