1052 days ago

Covid-19: North Shore Sky Bus service yet to resume post-pandemic

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Tēnā koutou. The Sky Bus North Harbour Express, north Aucklanders’ only direct link to the airport, is yet to resume more than a year after the service was suspended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

The 55-minute service, which stops outside Albany Westfield and the Smales Farm and Akoranga bus stations along the Northern Busway, cost $25 and $46 for adult one-way and return tickets respectively, with discounted fares for seniors and families.

North Auckland residents have still been able to get to the airport on public transport, via the NX1 to Britomart, train to Papatoetoe Station and the Airport Link bus to the airport.

However, the trip requires two transfers and takes about an hour and 50 minutes from Albany for $7.20 and two hours from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station for $8.28 – double the time it would take on the Sky Bus service.

Alternatively, north Aucklanders can take the NX1 into the city – $6.12 from the Hibiscus Coast and $4.86 from Albany – and catch the Sky Bus Auckland City Express, taking between an hour and five minutes and an hour and a half.

A Sky Bus spokesman said it is keen to bring the service back, however it would need to see a "significant lift" in patronage for its Auckland City Express. The service resumed in July, however patronage is down 80 per cent compared to pre-Covid.

Click 'read more' for the full story.

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More messages from your neighbours
17 hours ago

Let emotion drive you.

Cupra

Discover why emotion is our driving force. Experience the thrilling performance, stunning design and amazing value of CUPRA. Book a test drive now. Find out more

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17 hours ago

Staying home over the break?

Toka Tū Ake EQC

The long weekend is the perfect time to make your place safer for an earthquake with these steps:

• Find out where you can turn off your water and gas mains
• Check your chimney for any signs of wear and tear, or damage
• Check your home's foundations are secured
• Move heavy items that are up high to safer, lower down locations.
• Secure tall and heavy furniture and appliances

These simple actions can keep your whānau safer in case of a big shake, so tick them off and make the most of your break.
Find out more

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1 day ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Bert Sutcliffe Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

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