Night Riders to deliver you home

By BRIDGET CARTER

Auckland public transport users will soon be able to jump on the bus at 3 am on Saturday and Sunday, thanks to a new "Night Rider" service to be launched by the Auckland Regional Council.

The service, which starts on September 7, will be run by Stagecoach and comes in response to a demand for late-night public transport.

The Night Rider buses will leave the Civic Theatre and the corners of Wellesley and Queen Sts at 1 am, 2 am and 3 am.

They will cover 14 routes with destinations including Takapuna, Papatoetoe, St Heliers, Henderson and Remuera.

"Stagecoach already operate successful night bus services in Wellington and they have been extremely popular," Stagecoach executive chairman Ross Martin said.

Stagecoach will provide extra security at the central departure points and on the buses. Night bus services in Wellington and Christchurch have had few security concerns.

The initiative came from a workshop held by the Auckland City Council's transport and roading committee, after consultation with the council youth committee.

ARC transport committee chairman Les Paterson said the city council's transport and roading committee chairwoman, Catherine Harland, had suggested the service as there was a particular demand for these buses from young people, including university students.

A trial service would be run for two years, with financial help from Transfund's Kick-Start scheme.

Mr Paterson said he hoped it would provide a cheap alternative to taxis for many who might otherwise risk driving after drinking.

The road safety benefits were likely to be immense, he said.

Fares for the service from the city to Waitakere, Manukau, Papakura and the North Shore will be $6. Travel within each zone will be $4.

Stagecoach monthly, 10-ride and day passes cannot be used.

Stored value cards can be used, but no discount applies.

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