ARC launches free bus circuit for the America's Cup

By CATHY ARONSON

A free inner-Auckland bus service will be on the road for the start of the America's Cup.

The Auckland Regional Council is paying for the service to encourage more people on to public transport.

The three bright-red City Circuit buses will do a clockwise loop around the city from 8am to 6pm every day, including weekends, when it starts at the end of this month.

It will leave every 10 minutes from 11 key destinations in the CBD, including The Edge entertainment area, Auckland University, the Viaduct Basin and Queen St.

Bus stops will be identifiable by bright red timetables.

The ARC is fully subsidising the Stagecoach Euro 3 buses, which are more environmentally friendly diesel-powered, low-sulphur buses.

Chairwoman Gwen Bull said the council would review the service in December. It will also monitor whether it attracts new passengers or takes existing passengers away from paid services, such as Stagecoach's other central district service, The Link.

"We want to get people on to public transport and what better way than to make it free."

Ms Bull said The Link covered a wider area, including Parnell, Newmarket and Ponsonby.

"Stagecoach was a little bit nervous that they would lose their fare-paying customers to the free service within central Auckland. But they've given it a chance."

Stagecoach executive chairman Ross Martin said the City Circuit aimed to move people quickly and efficiently around key destinations.