SkyBus and Uber trial airport express

The first dedicated ‘front door to airport’ service for Auckland’s North Shore residents will be trialled by SkyBus and Uber.

Launched on August 14, the three-month trial will benefit those living within Albany, Milford and Takapuna areas.

Utilising express bus lanes, the trial aims to provide convenience and cost-effective solutions for North Harbour residents in their choice of airport transit.

During the trial, passengers who purchase an adult or family SkyBus North Harbour Express ticket online will unlock 50% off trips with Uber until November 14, to and from SkyBus stops at Albany Westfield, Smales Farm and Akoranga stations.

SkyBus passengers also get benefits such as unlimited luggage, free wifi and multi-lingual announcements.

“We are thrilled to announce the first privately funded airport mass transit and rideshare partnership in Australasia,” SkyBus director Michael Sewards says.

“We chose the North Shore in NZ to trial the service as it solves many challenges for residents when planning travel to and from the airport.

“Providing a fast and reliable service that utilises express bus lanes, means it’s stress free and will also take more cars off the road, making it a more sustainable way to travel.”

Uber New Zealand country manager Amanda Gilmore says more than a quarter of a million New Zealanders will make their way to airports across the country in August.

“Uber is determined to work in concert with key partners to create smart, safe, connected cities of the future,” she says.

Departing about every 30 minutes weekdays, with many early morning services, the North Harbour Express takes passengers direct to the airport within 55 minutes.

North Shore residents can purchase an adult or family ticket online here. An Uber promo code will be supplied with the SkyBus ticket. Riders will be picked up from their home and taken to their chosen North Harbour Express SkyBus stop, either the Albany, Smales Farm or Akoranga station. The same applies for those travelling from the airport, where passengers can request a trip with Uber from the bus stop to their home on the Shore.