Image RNZ Jessica Hopkins The installation of driver safety screens in Auckland Transport (AT) buses is now complete. The milestone, marks the delivery of a major investment programme led by AT, with funding support from Auckland Council and the Government, to strengthen safety on the public transport network. The programme which began in late 2024 has seen 80% of the AT fleet, the equivalent of 1,080 buses, retrofitted with protective screens.

Highlights for the upcoming month include Matariki events and the return of the inspiring light-based artwork, Whai, which returns to the Gantry. There's an update on Te Ara Tukutuku and the YES market return to Karanga Plaza.

As we get closer to launch day for the City Rail Link, The Spinoff predicts three dates in September - Sunday 6th, 13th or 20th. Read the article in full below to understand the rationale behind the prediction.

The last few months have seen an incredible increase in people getting around Auckland by bike - journeys that are made easier every day by the ongoing improvements to our cycle network - also helped by the great weather! Keep up to date with this AT newsletter.

Image 123RF Auckland has a congestion problem, and it is costing up to $2.6 billion a year. Congested roads mean longer commutes, less time with family, and a significant drag on economic productivity. Infrastrucure NZ travelled to Sweden - read what they learned from Oslo and Stockholm - in the article from NZME below.

The Government and Auckland Council are planning to introduce congestion charging - paying to drive in parts of the city. Auckland Councillors met recently to discuss the council’s response to the Government’s proposal for time-of-use charges. Reports by NZ Herald suggests the debate didn't run smoothly. Only 5 out of 10 recommendations presented to the committee were approved.

AT have announced there will be station Open Days leading up to the opening of CRL. The first day of CRL operation will be a Sunday - date not yet confirmed! The opening date will be announced 6-8 weeks in advance.

The Labour Party has pledged to cap public transport fares at $20 per week starting from July 2027. Any rides taken after the $20 threshold would be free. Not all PT is covered - for example ferries to Waiheke Island would be excluded, but ferries operating Auckland harbour would be covered. For now Auckland HOP card users can benefit from the $50 fare cap offered by AT.

Check out all these new images of the CRL stations thanks to Greater Auckland. The one above is an artwork at Mercury Lane evoking kauri snails. There are heaps of new images along with interesting insights and some videos. See more in the link below.

New City Rail Link brochures explain how CRL will transform Auckland’s rapid transit network. It outlines the benefits for customers, including: shorter travel times, better connections to buses and trains and improved access to key destinations across Auckland. The information is available in eight different languages. Download the brochure in the language of your choice in the link below:

Bike Auckland have produced a "How to start commuting by bike - a quick guide for normal people". Plenty of sound advice from choosing a bike, choosing a route, the right gear, safety tips and how to deal with any issues along the way. Great practical guide for anyone thinking about commuting by bike.

Auckland’s first plug-in electric-hybrid fast ferry is one step closer to entering service. Owned by AT and operated by Fullers360, the electric-hybrid ferry is the part of a bigger plan to reduce emissions from public transport. The ferry is one of two that will soon begin operating between Devonport and Downtown Auckland.  Read more in the PDF below.

Plans have been submitted under the new fast track legislation for a new 23 storey development at 188 Beaumont Street. The project will involve a residential-led mixed use building comprising 210 residential apartments and ground floor retail. The application has been submitted by Westhaven Residential Limited Partnership - a joint venture between Precinct Properties and Orams Marine.

Well here is another option for the second harbour crossing. This one is from Nicolas Reid at MRCagney. A multi-modal bridge, designed to complement the existing one, enabling freedom of movement for all kinds of journeys. The concept is for a new six-lane bridge, designed to work in conjunction with the existing harbour bridge to separate motorway and local traffic, while also adding rapid transit and bus lanes, and walking and cycling paths. Greater Auckland like the conce

Celebrate Eid ul-Adha at Harbour Grounds on Weds 3 June with a vibrant lunchtime market from 11am-2pm. Check out the free HIIT classes and the sauna and ice bath sessions for Men's Health week. Quiz night on 22 June plus puppy cuddles are back on 17 June.

With the current bridge 67 years old a Government announcement on a second harbour crossing is expected soon. Tunnel or bridge - pros and cons - Greater Auckland takes a look back over some of the recent history of the bridge - and suggests that Aucklanders need to be more included in the decision making. NZ Herald Front page podcast also takes a closer look - with some interesting insights - you can watch this in the link below.

RNZ reports that carpooling is gathering momentum as commuters battle with rising fuel costs. Auckland-based entrepreneur Saveun Man's new app, Carpoolin, has seen the highest number of registered users this month. Users can chose how to split the costs of fuel and parking - but Carpoolin founder notes - "there is a legal definition and regulation for carpooling that users need to be aware of.

There is speculation around when CRL will open - some saying it might be as early as August or September. The Spinoff takes a look at who's saying what. They have ruled out October and November AT have rules out July so the bets are on for August or September.

When the CRL opens it introduces three new lines – East West, South City and Onehunga West. Travel across the City becomes easier, more direct, and more convenient, with more one‑seat journeys and easier connections to frequent bus routes. The services at the start will be slightly less than the full plan - but trains will run every 4-5 minutes at peak times. Over time the service frequencies will increase. See full details below.