The new AT Hop card is finally being rolled out on October 28th, but what is happening with the Family Pass?
The Maxx website is still advertising the $24 daily pass:
Unlimited train travel. Available after 9.00am on weekdays and anytime on the weekends and public holidays. Family consists of 1 adult and up to 5 children or 2 adults and up to 4 children travelling together. (Note: the group must include at least one child aged under 16 without ID, or between 16 and 19 years with a valid Student ID card)
But associated with the rollout, this is now only available from manned stations – Britomart, New Lynn and Newmarket. You can’t get the ticket from the new Thales vending machines.
This is ridiculous – no family will be able to afford a day out by train.
And this policy disadvantages any family that doesn’t live near the three stations mentioned. For instance a family of 5 wanting to travel from the new Manukau Station to Britomart return will have to pay ($6.80 x 2) + ($4 x 3) = $25.60 x 2 = $51.20 return! The same family of 5 going from Britomart to Manukau return could get the $24 family pass.
Incidentally, Sydney offers the Family Funday Sunday where, for $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy a fun day out with unlimited travel on Sydney’s buses, trains, light rail and ferries every Sunday.
Come on Auckland Transport – please sort this out by the time the Santa Parade comes to town.
