Bikes in buses trial

About the bikes in buses trial

We are trying new and different ideas to make public transport in Auckland more convenient and enable more travel by active modes.

We are doing a closely monitored trial to understand some of the practical complexities of having bikes in buses in Auckland.

Phase 1 of the trial was completed in November 2024

• A two-week trial of two different types of bike racks, situated inside two double decker buses servicing the NX1 route was conducted. Each rack could hold two bikes.
• Pre-selected volunteers used the racks during the trial.
• The Northern Express as a part of Auckland’s Rapid Transit Network was chosen, as it uses double decker buses and provides a high service frequency, therefore using only 2 buses for the trial had a small impact on the overall level of service.
• The trial was successful and proved the viability of commuters carrying their bikes into and securing them inside buses.
• Out of the two bike racks trialled, one emerged as the preferred option due to lower impact on bus capacity (it comes with flip down seats and hand holds to create standing area if needed). Bikes were also felt to be more secure, and design is sleeker and easier to use. This rack can be enhanced further by including better seat-belt style restraints for the bikes, and other minor modifications.
• The second bike rack was deemed unsuitable due to taking up greater space, and providing less stability for the bikes. There will be no further testing of this rack.
• An online survey was available for regular customers on these buses to have their say. Feedback from operational staff and volunteers involved in the trial was also gathered. Useful feedback was received from bus drivers and cyclists. Bus customers (not involved in the trial) provided mixed reactions – support and excitement from the majority of respondents but opposition from some, mainly concerned with space taken up by bikes and time taken to manoeuvre bikes into the bus.

What happens next

• AT will conduct a second phase of the bikes in buses trial in 2025.
• This will involve the installation of a further 14 bike racks using the preferred rack (with minor modifications) inside double decker buses on the NX1 route.
• The next phase of the trial will be open for any cyclist to use and provide further feedback. Dates will be communicated closer to the time.

Benefits for and impacts on the community

By making it easier for Aucklanders to combine a bicycle ride and a public transport trip, it opens up options for more people to use public transport. This could save many Aucklanders time and money, as well as contributing to health and environmental goals.

How to contact us

Email Fraser.Barrons@at.govt.nz should you have any questions or require further information.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I take an electric bike on the bus?
   Yes.
2. Can I take my cargo bike or bike with a child seat on the bus?
   Max length 1.9m
3. How will I know if the bus is one of the two with a rack?
   There will be clear signage on the bus. Look out for the circular bicycle symbol.
4. How can I be part of the trial?
   The second phase of the trial will be open to the public, we will communicate more once this phase of the trial starts.
5. Can I use the rack if I’m not part of the trial?
   Yes. There is currently one bike rack in service on one NX1 bus. Anyone may use this rack, however, we cannot guarantee when this bus will arrive at any particular bus stop.
6. Why not trial bike racks on front of bus like rest of Aotearoa New Zealand?
   This has been considered in the past. However, for this project we are trying something different to assess the viability of bikes being inside.