AT Local EV service ditched at Devonport

AT Local, a publicly funded EV rideshare service on Auckland’s North Shore Devonport peninsula launched in 2018 by Auckland Transport (AT), has been dropped by the agency in favour of improved bus services in the area.

But AT Local may be introduced in parts of South Auckland instead.

AT consulted on two options for Devonport last year and got 704 feedback surveys, deciding to keep the 806 and 807 bus services with improvements and stop AT Local there, in spite of public consultation not revealing any clear preference.

The 805 will connect the Belmont shops, Ngataringa Road, Lake Road and the Devonport Ferry Terminal, running Monday to Friday.

The 806 between Stanley Point and the Devonport Ferry Terminal will have longer running hours and will meet every Devonport ferry at peak times, running every day including public holidays.

The 807 between Cheltenham and the Devonport Ferry Terminal will have a similar service, all running to new timetables from about February 28 or March 1.

Meanwhile, the AT Local trial ends on February 26.

AT says that due to financial constraints it is facing the next stage of work will focus on replacing poor performing bus routes with on-demand solutions that can potentially grow patronage.

It says AT Local may replace some under-performing/high subsidy bus services in Papakura and Pukekohe to provide better access around train stations.

“The first trial in Devonport has provided valuable insights into how on-demand could work in Auckland and improvements for subsequent trials, such as integration with AT HOP and AT’s online Journey Planner,” AT says.

AT’s Journey Planner and AT Mobile will be updated from February 21 so travellers can plan their journeys using the new bus service and timetables.