To help ensure people get home safely after they finish work on Friday 21 December, Auckland Transport is making travel on all buses and trains free from 4pm.
According to Police the Friday before Christmas is one of the worst days of the year for drink-driving.
AT is working with Police to reduce drink-driving and one key initiative is to provide free public transport on Friday so that people all across Auckland can have a drink after work and have no need to get behind the wheel at all.
Tamaki Makaurau Road Policing Manager Inspector Scott Webb says Police deal with an increase in alcohol-related crashes during the festive season.
“If you are in any doubt at all about being safe or legal to drive after drinking – don’t drive. It’s vital you look after your mates. Make sure you have a plan to get home safely.”
At 4pm the gate at train stations will be opened, and the tagging machines will be turned off on all bus trips starting after 4pm.
If your journey starts before 4pm but finishes after 4pm, this trip will not be free. But all trips starting after 4pm will be free.
AT’s Group Manager Metro Service Delivery Stacey Van Der Putten says, this initiative has come about after Police asked AT how we could work with them to get more people on public transport, which will reduce the potential for drink-driving.
“There’s never been an excuse for drink-driving, it kills people on our roads. But if we can provide a free, easy public transport journey home, then it means there’s no need to drive at all. You can a have a drink after work, and you don’t even have to think about the car, just get the bus or the train.
“Also, if you’ve never used public transport in Auckland, this is a great opportunity to give it a go.”
Staff, including Transport Officers, will be at key stations around Auckland to make sure everyone stays safe, and get where they need to go.
Was thinking going home early on Friday but looks like need to go after 4pm to get a free bus ride. :D