From this July, the two halves of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will no longer be islands apart for people on bikes. For the first time, buses will welcome bikes on board on the NX1 route between Albany and Britomart. The speedy NX1 express service will have bike racks on a third of its buses – fifteen buses in total.
Don’t get too excited yet – this is a trial only. The racks are expected to be in place for a year, to test the initiative in all seasons. Auckland Transport is looking for feedback from everyone using the NX1 about how things are working.
Bike Auckland’s Fiáin d’Leafy explains that while it’s not the end goal, it’s a great improvement.
“For 70 years, Aucklanders have been promised access to walking and cycling across the Auckland Harbour. While this isn’t a way to cycle across, we’re very excited about this trial. It gives people a practical way to get across Te Waitematā, and reach all of our region on a bike. It will be a crucial safety net for anyone who misses their last ferry or gets a flat tyre. But beyond that, it will also show the huge demand there is to be able to make this crossing with a bike.”
When using the NX1 with a bike, people can reach a several-kilometre wide radius of the bus terminal within minutes, opening up more transport options for many more suburbs.
D’Leafy continues:
“At Bike Auckland, we’ve been pushing for access for bikes on buses for years and years so this is a fantastic start. We would love this trial to be extended to more buses, especially the buses which replace trains, so that they are a true train replacement service for all users.”
“There is so much desire to have an active, low emissions commute, and this makes it more possible. Switching from a larger petrol motor to a bike-plus-bus commute from Albany to the city centre could avoid creating around 1kg of carbon dioxide emissions per person every single day. This could also reduce transport costs, at a time when many are struggling.”
“I am particularly excited for bike access on the NX1 because it will be so powerful for me personally, and for others, like me, who are using a two-wheeled bike as a mobility aid. Walking and driving can be painful for me – even a short walk to or from the bus – so, particularly if the ferry wasn’t running, or I was trying to go quite far North, it felt like the North Shore was practically off-limits for me. Now, I can simply wheel my bike onto the bus, enjoy the view over the Harbour through the window, and then cycle onwards to my destination. My mobility aid is allowed on board, and that is incredibly liberating for me, truly opening my world and giving me greater independence, well-being, and mobility.”
How will bikes in buses work?
Fifteen double-decker buses will have the fold-down racks on the inside of the buses from 1 July. Racks are already in place on some of the buses and can be used today. Each rack can hold two bikes – on a first come, first served basis.
D’Leafy points out that this is an accessible solution:
“Allowing bikes on board the bus itself is fantastic for anyone who would have difficulty lifting their bike, such as if they have an e-bike. With only 2 spots per bus we know that demand will fast outstrip supply: we would love to see Auckland Transport provide greater capacity by adding bike racks on the front of the buses as well, for those who can use them, just like the racks that are already available on buses in other major cities across Aotearoa.”
Bike Auckland was involved in an earlier trial involving testing different rack designs, also on the NX1. That trial helped inform the best design. This is the first time the racks are available for general bus passenger use.
How long will I have to wait for a bus with a rack?
Auckland Transport predicts a good frequency of service, saying:
“Because the NX1 runs every 3-15 minutes between Albany and the City Centre, we believe that this will allow for a level of service where cyclists could reliably catch a bus with a bike rack in it.”
No one knows yet how popular the service will be. Could you turn up only to find the bike rack is already full? Possibly.
D’Leafy believes strong demand will send a signal to decision makers about what is needed:
“At Bike Auckland, we have campaigned for years in support of a walking and cycling connection between the city and the North Shore, and people are fed up with waiting for it. We are certain that this bikes on buses trial will be quickly oversubscribed. Decision makers will be absolutely blown away by the demand to cross Te Waitematā with a bike – reinforcing the call to Liberate the Lane, so that people can get across under their own steam.”
How do I know if my bus has a rack?
Before heading to the bus stop, you can check which approaching buses have the racks via the AT Mobile App. When at the stop, the buses have large green cycle icons on the front and side, so you can tell which bus to get on.
Can any kind of bike go on the bus?
Electric bikes and cargo bikes are welcome – as long as they are less than 1.9 metres in length. Larger bikes and three wheeled bikes will not fit.
What about wheelchair users?
The wheelchair space remains unchanged.
As AT puts it:
“Ensuring a safe location for bikes in a bus allows AT to address the increasing instances of people parking bikes and scooters in the wheelchair space.”
AT and bus operator Richies have also installed additional handrails and safety hangers, as well as the seatbelt-type restraint for bikes.
Bike Auckland encourages people to show care for other users when taking bikes on board.
Will this reduce peak time seating?
A few forward-facing seats have been removed and replaced with a bike rack. When not occupied by a bike, the bike rack can become three flip down seats with arm rests. Though we will have to see how the trial plays out, it’s highly likely this service will be similar to taking a bike on the train: not advisable at peak time.
We encourage those with bikes to show courtesy and care for the needs of other passengers. We would love to hear positive feedback from other bus passengers about bike riders using the service.
Is there a cost to bring my bike on the bus?
No, just the usual passenger fare.
Should you try taking your bike on the bus?
D’Leafy says you should absolutely give it a go.
“Auckland Transport have consulted with the biking community as well as other users with diverse needs in designing this trial. It has been well thought out. If you travel between the Shore and the City, we encourage you to give it a go. Especially if you would otherwise get around by car.
“Try leaving the congestion behind – it might just be life-changing for you.”
For more information, and to give your feedback, please visit: https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/bikes-in-buses-trial
