Those who catch the route 64 bus in Mt Eden, Grafton and Kingsland are going to have to pay full fare from 27 April. For nearly five years the fare has been one cent. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
They say all good things must come to an end, and for Aucklanders riding on the route 64 bus that saying rings true
For the past five years the bus fare has been virtually free, at just one cent to tag on, but come Sunday a full fare will apply.
The bus service was originally established to accommodate the closure of the Mt Eden train station due to Auckand's City Rail Link project works.
But with 1.1 million passengers using the service since it began, it quickly became a cost-effective staple for those wanting to get around Mt Eden, Grafton and Kingsland.
Pete Moth, Auckland Transport's head of public transport services planning, said that is reflected in the number of passengers using the service.
"We've had a massive uptake in patronage since we extended the route through to St Luke's in November and ran much later, more frequent services.
"We've seen a doubling in patronage, more or less since November, so people are really voting with their feet on the service."
But come Sunday, after nearly five years, a full fare will apply.
Signs at bus stops on the route warn of the upcoming fare change. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The bus was originally a replacement for passengers using the Mt Eden train station, which closed in 2020. The station was scheduled to re-open in December 2024 but this has been delayed till 2026.
Moth said despite the delay, it was time to charge a full fare.
"In the interests of ratepayers we figured that there's not really justification for continuing to subsidise this service, whereas other services are full fare."
Many passengers onboard told Checkpoint they were not aware of the upcoming price change.
"I had no idea no clue yeah, honestly, might end up walking more and not using public transport," said one passenger.
Another said it was annoying, "you know it's always been a good one to just get on, get off, get me from point A to point B.
"But now I guess it'll be a bit more of a hassle, especially now that it's going back to the like, actual fares it will definitely hinder a lot of people's lives."
CEO of the Newmarket Business Association Mark Knoff-Thomas said with 1.1 million passengers using the route 64 service since it was introduced in 2020, businesses and shoppers have been reaping the rewards.
"I think people have been grateful to have the service. I for one, I'm a resident of Eden Terrace and have used it many, many times myself to come to Newmarket it's been very convenient."
Shoppers have reaped the rewards of the cheap service. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Though he accepted all good things must come to an end.
"Going back to normal fare I think was probably inevitable."
Passengers have two more days to tag on for a one cent journey.
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