Bikes in buses trial
About the bikes in buses trial
Phase 2 of the Bikes in buses trial officially starts in July 2025. The aim of the trial is to understand the practical complexities of having bikes in buses in Auckland. The trial will run for at least one year.
There are bike racks installed in 15 buses on the Northern Express 1 (NX1) route. This is about one third of the NX1 fleet. Each bike rack can hold two bikes.
At this stage we expect to be able to offer a level of service where, at peak times, about every third bus should have a bike rack on it. These bike buses are available all hours that the NX1 service operates. Integration with the AT Mobile App allows users to check in the ‘live departures’ section of the app to see if the bus headed their way has a bike rack on it or not.
All cyclists are welcome to use the bike racks, and we encourage you to provide feedback on your experience using the rack.
If you are a passenger on the NX1, either using the bike rack, or just seeing it in operation, we would love your feedback and observations regarding the bike rack in the bus. An important part of this trial is to better understand the experience of cyclists and NX1 bus passengers, so please share your insights with us via our online survey.
How to use the bus bike rack
Please view the video below for guidance on how to use the bike rack inside the bus.
New Zealand Sign Language video:
Important information when using the bus bike rack
- Enter through the front door and exit via the rear door.
- Lift the rack up to release and lower it.
- Place the front wheel of the bike into the rack.
- Use the restraining strap provided to hold the bike.
- Do not block the aisle of the bus for other passengers.
- You do not have to stand next to your bike but remain nearby to ensure safety of your property and other passengers.
- Be respectful and share the bike rack space in a cooperative manner.
BACKGROUND
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.
Allowing bicycles inside buses will mean that AT provides a consistent service across its Rapid Transit Network, because commuters can already take bikes on trains.
Allowing bikes on the NX1 service provides cyclists with a way to cross the harbour bridge, enabling a more connected and accessible network.
Phase 1 of the trial was completed in November 2024
- A two-week trial of two different types of bike racks, inside double decker buses servicing the Northern Express (NX1) route was conducted. Each rack held two bikes.
- The NX1, as a part of Auckland’s Rapid Transit Network, was chosen because it uses double decker buses and provides a high service frequency.
- 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 more secure, and design is sleeker and easier to use. 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 most respondents but opposition from some, mainly concerned with space taken up by bikes and time taken to manoeuvre bikes into the bus.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- When can I start using the bike racks in buses?
They can be used now. Currently there are 10 out of 15 racks installed and in service. - Can I take an electric bike on the bus?
Yes. - Can I take my cargo bike or bike with a child seat on the bus?
Yes, maximum bike length is 1.9m. If a bike doesn’t fit in space, it can’t travel on the bus. - How many bikes can fit in the rack?
A maximum of 2 bikes can use the rack at the same time. - How will I know if the approaching bus is one with a rack?
There will be clear signage on the bus. Look out for the green circular bicycle symbol on the front and the side of the bus. You will also be able to track this on the AT Mobile app in the ‘live departures’ section. - As a cyclist, how can I be sure there will be a bike bus available when I need it?
15 Buses with bike racks is about one-third of the total NX1 fleet. Because the NX1 runs every 3 -15 minutes between Albany and the City Centre, we believe that this will allow for a level of service where cyclists could reliably catch a bus with a bike rack in it. Cyclists waiting for a bike bus can check the live departures section of the AT Mobile app, buses with a bike rack will be visible on the app with a green cyclist icon. - Will there only be bike buses in service during peak times?
No, bike buses will be in service for all hours that the NX1 service operates. - Can anyone participate in the trial?
Yes, the second phase of the trial is open to the public. - Can I board the bus with my bike at any of the stops or stations along the NX1 route?
Yes. This includes: Lower Albert Street (Britomart), Bradnor Lane, Customs Street West, Fanshawe Street, Akoranga, Smales Farm, Sunnynook, Constellation, Albany and Hibiscus Coast. - Should the bus driver help me get my bike into the bus?
No. Drivers are not obliged to help passengers lift their bikes into the bus, and the bus does not have to be lowered for a bike to get on. This is consistent with passengers taking their bike on a train – they are expected to be able to carry it into the train without assistance. - Do I have to pay extra to take my bike on the bus?
No. Bikes may travel for free on the bus at any time (cyclist pays normal fare), provided that the safety or comfort of other passengers is not affected. - Why not trial bike racks on the front of buses like other regions of Aotearoa New Zealand?
We are open to trialling exterior bike racks in the future. If we do, we could compare them to this interior bike rack trial. We have been closely monitoring the recent challenges that other regions have been working through with exterior bike racks blocking the lights of the bus.
How to contact us
Email Fraser.Barrons@at.govt.nz should you have any questions or require further information.