Bikes in buses trial

About the bikes in buses trial

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

This could make public transport in Auckland more convenient for many and enable more travel by active modes.

If you are a passenger on the NX1, using the bike rack, or seeing it in operation, we would love your feedback and observations of using it, or how you see it being used.

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.

What happens next

• Phase 2 of the bikes in buses trial will officially start from July 2025.

• Another 14 bike racks will be installed inside double-decker buses on the NX1 route.

• This next phase of the trial will be open for any cyclist to use the racks and provide further feedback.

• Bike racks will be installed in 14 NX1 double-decker buses over a 4-6-week period in during May and June 2025. During this period of installation, the bike racks will be open for use, however we cannot guarantee a predictable level of service at this stage.

• Integration with the AT Mobile App will allow 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.

• Phase 2 of the trial will run for at least a year, so that we can monitor operations through all seasons.

• An important part of this trial is to better understand the experience of cyclists and NX1 bus passengers, so please complete the survey below and share your insight.

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.

Important information when using the bus bike rack

• Enter through the front door and exit via the rear door.
• 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.

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?
   Yes, maximum bike length is 1.9m. If a bike doesn’t fit in space, it can’t travel on the bus.
3. How many bikes can fit in the rack?
   A maximum of 2 bikes can use the rack at the same time.
4. 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. You will also be able to track this on the AT Mobile app in the ‘live departures’ section.
5. Can anyone participate in the trial?
   Yes, the second phase of the trial is open to the public.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Why not trial bike racks on front of buses 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.

How to contact us

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