Airbus service steps up for kick off

More buses will run between central Auckland and the airport for the Rugby World Cup. File Photo / Herald on Sunday

More buses will run between central Auckland and the airport from September 1, ready for the Rugby World Cup kick-off eight days later at Eden Park.

As well as increasing its service frequency from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes, the Airbus Express will also alternate bus routes between Mt Eden Rd and Dominion Rd.

Company general manager Gary Fitzsimons says Dominion Rd had become a feasible alternative route with direct access to the Mt Roskill motorway extension.

Mr Fitzsimons said he did not expect much time difference between the routes.

"The completion of the Manukau Harbour Crossing ... has given our board a huge impetus to move to a 10-minute service in readiness for Rugby World Cup 2011 and beyond, so we can show our overseas and local visitors that Auckland has a world-class public transport system."

Airbus services operate 24 hours a day and, from September 1, will run every 10 minutes from 7am to 7pm, when their frequency will ease to 15 minutes until 9pm, and then to 30 minutes through the rest of each night.

Although the company runs a commercial operation without public subsidies, as reflected in its one-way adult fare of $16, Auckland Transport has welcomed the increase.

"We know that providing frequent services is key to getting people to use public transport," said a spokesman, Mark Lambert.