Express buses prove popular

Patronage of the northern express bus service has risen from 250 to 1000 a day since it began last month between downtown Auckland and North Shore's park-and-ride stations.

North Shore Mayor George Wood said commuters were taking advantage of free parking at the Albany and Constellation Drive stations and the express services being only 15 minutes apart.

He predicted greater increases in the new year and in early 2008 when buses will have dedicated lanes on the Northern Motorway and serve three further park-and-ride stations.