ARTA Annual Report 2009 - Auckland Transport

Improvements to train services
Rail continues to make an important contribution to overall patronage growth, up 12.6% on last year. More
than half of this growth was on the Western Line, where 15-minute services were introduced in peak times
from July 2008, due to double tracking work and more carriages. Southern Line services have also increased
to 10-minute peak frequencies.
The rail service contract with Veolia has been extended to 2014.
RESULT: 15-minute services were introduced on the Western Line from July 2008.
Improvements to ferry services
Ferry patronage has been in decline the past two years, largely due to fare increases on some routes. This
decline has been halted by increases to Gulf Harbour services and by promotion of free travel for SuperGold
Card holders. Additional evening services to and from Devonport were also added by Fullers last year.
Additional services from Half Moon Bay were considered but were not affordable within the current budget.
Pine Harbour and West Harbour
Residents on the outer reaches of the Waitemata Harbour have the best of both worlds: tranquility and
ease of travel into the city. The ferry services run by Pine Harbour and Belaire ferries take about 35 minutes.
ARTA subsidises these services, which has enabled both companies to buy an additional ferry in the past
year and increase the number of weekday trips.
RESULT: In the past year, 20% more trips taken between Pine Harbour and Auckland,
and 24% more trips between West Harbour and Auckland.
“For me to drive in rush hour would take an
hour at least. The ferry journey takes 32 minutes
give or take. I’ve made friends, it’s a little social
club really, it’s very enjoyable, very relaxing.”
Jon Huxley from Beachlands.
18