Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, 18 November 2024
Island
Direct, the locally owned ferry operator connecting Auckland
and Waiheke Island, is excited to announce its integration
with Auckland Transport’s HOP network. Passengers can now
enjoy the added convenience of paying for their ferry
journeys with their AT HOP card, expanding their options for
seamless travel between the city and island.
Starting
today, passengers are able to tag on and off using an AT HOP
card, providing a smooth and familiar payment option for
Island Direct’s ferry services. Joining the AT HOP network
offers Aucklanders and Waiheke residents greater choice in
how they pay, making Island Direct a more accessible and
flexible travel option.
As part of Island
Direct’s inclusion in the network, passengers can now
choose to purchase an AT HOP Monthly Pass, which provides
unlimited travel on Island Direct’s Waiheke ferry
services, as well as connecting buses and trains within the
same fare zone as the start or end of the ferry trip. This
integration makes it easy and affordable for Waiheke
residents and visitors alike to connect seamlessly across
Auckland’s transit network.
In
addition, passengers travelling on a standard adult fare can
now use contactless payment options such as Apple Pay,
Google Pay, debit cards, and most major credit cards to tag
on and off. This new way to pay removes barriers to entry,
making it quicker and easier to board Island Direct ferries.
Aucklanders and visitors alike can simply tag on and off
using their smartphones or smartwatches.
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Island Direct
Director David Todd said, “Joining the AT HOP network is a
significant step for Island Direct, and we’re thrilled to
provide our passengers with even more flexibility. This
integration not only improves convenience but also
solidifies our commitment to being a reliable travel choice
for Aucklanders and Waiheke residents.”
Todd
continued, “Our goal has always been to make travel
between Auckland and Waiheke Island as seamless as possible.
With the addition of the AT HOP card and contactless payment
options, we are removing barriers and ensuring that our
passengers can hop on board without hassle. The introduction
of contactless payments means our passengers can travel with
ease, whether they choose an AT HOP card or a mobile payment
option. We’re dedicated to making every journey reliable
and enjoyable.”
Chair of the Waiheke Island Local
Board, Cath Handley, noted the importance of added travel
choices, saying, “Residents will be delighted with this
new flexibility. We have advocated to AT and the Minister of
Transport for a level playing field for all ferry operators,
so locals get more choices. This is a game
changer.”
With AT HOP and contactless payment
options, Island Direct is committed to delivering ease and
flexibility for its passengers. These new payment methods
join the company’s full range of fares, from single-trip
tickets to multi-pass options, and the recently launched
Experiences package, which offers curated Waiheke day trips
in partnership with local businesses.
For more
information on Island Direct’s full schedule and services,
visit IslandDirect.co.nz.
Learn more about ways to pay at
AT.govt.nz/waystopay.
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