Auckland Transport (AT) told the Herald this uptick was not entirely due to a response to the rising fuel prices. “This is more down to more people using public transport rather than a response to fuel prices,” AT said. AT said it was expecting more Aucklanders to use public transport over the coming weeks as fuel prices rose. Amid soaring fuel prices across New Zealand, Auckland recorded its busiest day on public transport in seven years. Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten told the Herald before the conflict began last month that the cost of public transport was roughly the same as the cost of driving a vehicle in Auckland, but things have changed.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 21, 2026 19:01 UTC