#RWC2011: Auckland launches Link Bus System in time for Rugby World Cup

A new fleet of buses is set to take to Auckland’s roads in an effort to make public transport more accessible and effective.

The revamped Link bus routes will connect previously isolated parts of the city, and provide more options for commuters further away from the CBD.

The City LINK is the easiest way to get around Auckland’s CBD. It runs from the newly developed Wynyard Quarter, along Queen St, up to K-Rd and then back down Queen Street. All the City LINK buses are bright red and are easy to spot. There’s no need for a timetable either as the services run on such a regular basis.
The Inner LINK is the easiest way to get around Auckland’s inner city. It runs from the Britomart Train Station, out to Parnell, through Newmarket, along K-Rd, Ponsonby Rd, past Victoria Park and then back to Britomart via SkyCity. The buses are bright green and the service runs on such a frequent basis that timetables are not required.
The Outer LINK is the easiest way to get around the inner suburbs of Auckland City. It runs from Wellesley St, past the Universities, through Parnell, Newmarket, Epsom, Balmoral, Mt Eden, St Lukes, Mt Albert, out to the Meola Rd entrance to MOTAT, through Westmere, Herne Bay and then back to Wellesley St. The buses are bright amber and operate on a frequent basis, so no timetables are required.

Key attributes include:

• Frequent services: City LINK every 7-8 minutes, Inner LINK every 10 minutes, Outer LINK every 15 minutes
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• Services based on maximum wait times, rather than timetabled services

• Simple routes connecting popular central Auckland locations:

• Buses branded for easy identification

• Reasonable fares: City LINK free, Inner LINK $1.80, Outer LINK maximum $3.40

• New high quality buses that are air conditioned, wheel-chair accessible, child buggy friendly and meet Euro 5+ emissions standards.