More private shuttle services could be on the way for local body staff in Auckland, despite critics saying they should be using public transport.
Auckland Council, which is seeking a doubling of public transport patronage, is considering a new shuttle between its downtown headquarters and Manukau.
The council plan comes a day after Radio New Zealand News highlighted the shuttle service being trialled by its transport agency between two offices well-connected by buses and trains.
The Auckland Council may avoid Manukau's underground station which opened two years ago in favour of a new shuttle between its downtown headquarters, and Manukau. Photo: SEAN ATAVENITIA
Auckland Transport's shuttle takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic, while a comparable bus service taken by a Radio New Zealand journalist took 34 minutes one way and 38 the other.
The council already runs shuttles for about 250 staff a week between its central city office and Takapuna, with travel times little different to frequent bus services handy to both locations.
In a statement it says shuttles are a cheaper and more efficient way to move staff, than have them individually using fleet vehicles, but makes no reference to public transport.
Auckland Transport's six-month trial between Henderson and downtown costs $122,000 and is also aimed at reducing the use of the agency's vehicle fleet.
Campaign for Better Transport convenor Cameron Pitches says Auckland Transport should be improving the services it considers too slow for its own staff, making them more attractive for the public too.
The shuttle Auckland Transport is using in a trial between offices. Photo: RNZ
Auckland Council and its agency have helped fund the $50 million development of a new rail line and underground station at Manukau, which opened two years ago.
The shuttle debate is less about the merits of travelling times, and more about Auckland Transport and the council appearing to take an approach of: "Do as I say, not as I do".
Auckland Council was not available for comment on the case for a possible staff shuttle to Manukau.
