PSA: AT accepts paywave on Auckland public transport

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › PSA: AT accepts paywave on Auckland public transport

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cddt

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#3504486 19-Jun-2026 14:14

MikeAqua:

Auckland is slowly catching up with Welly 🥳. All they need now is prompt and efficient public transport from the Airport to the CBD 🤣.

The council had light rail pretty much ready to go - then Labour killed it for (at least) a generation.

Yes, I'm salty. It would have gone within metres of my house and created a high capacity backbone for a modern transport network through the isthmus.

alasta

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#3504491 19-Jun-2026 14:16

wellygary:

just FWIW:

It began in Auckland in November 2025 ,
https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2024-media-releases/auckland-hits-250-000-contactless-trips-on-public-transport

That press release is dated December 2024. I can distinctly remember using Apple Pay on the bus when I was in Auckland in February 2025.

It became an option in Wellington in March 2026
https://www.metlink.org.nz/news-and-updates/news/get-on-with-it-credit-and-debit-card-payment-for-metlink-services-is-here

In Wellington is happened because Snapper is about to go out of support with its provider, and the National Ticketing hasn't come to town to save them, so the regional Council are paying to add Credit cards so if Snapper has a meltdown they have a fall back for most customers...

I have been using it since it launched in Wellington and it's good when it works, but sometimes I get a 'bank payments unavailable' error and then have to fish around in my bag to find my Snapper card. It's a bit pointless if you still have to carry a Snapper card 'just in case'.

When observing other passengers I have noticed that very few of them are using Visa/Mastercard, with the vast majority still using Snapper cards.

CokemonZ

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#3504498 19-Jun-2026 14:32

KiwiSurfer:

MikeAqua:

Auckland is slowly catching up with Welly 🥳. All they need now is prompt and efficient public transport from the Airport to the CBD 🤣.

Already here. There is a 10mins frequency bus to Puhinui station taking only 10mins, from where there are frequent trains up to every 5mins to the CBD. The bus also continues to Manukau with connections across South Auckland.

I frequently take buses from home to airport via Manukau - takes me only 20-25mins door to door.

I live in Birkenhead on the north shore, and when travelling during the day do a 3 mode trip both ways bus - train - bus.

The connections are seamless. It works well, and while it takes a little time, great to catch up on a book, or get some emails done.

gzt

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#3504500 19-Jun-2026 14:33

alasta: I have been using it since it launched in Wellington and it's good when it works, but sometimes I get a 'bank payments unavailable' error and then have to fish around in my bag to find my Snapper card. It's a bit pointless if you still have to carry a Snapper card 'just in case'.

Ironically it was this article in the NZ Herald about a paywave failure that alerted me to the fact AT now supports paywave for buses and trains:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/auckland-student-ticketed-150-after-free-ride-offered-by-auckland-transport-bus-driver/SRINQHZBUNGILFO7FB4ZRUFHCI/

MikeAqua

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#3505143 22-Jun-2026 09:08

cddt:

Yes, I'm salty. It would have gone within metres of my house and created a high capacity backbone for a modern transport network through the isthmus.

I'm sure that would have been great for the commuters but IIRC it would have been rather slow for access to the airport (because it had many stops and no express service).

While the council were ready to go, as far as a plan went, they didn't have the money.

Mike

cddt

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#3505182 22-Jun-2026 11:11

MikeAqua:

I'm sure that would have been great for the commuters but IIRC it would have been rather slow for access to the airport (because it had many stops and no express service).

Indeed, modelling showed that only 4% of passengers would have taken a trip to / from the CBD to airport. It would have been an incidental benefit to link the airport to a public transport backbone.

And a lot of people would gladly take a slower form of transport if it means they don't have to pay for an expensive taxi.

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