From Saturday 7 September, children aged 5 to 15, using a registered AT HOP card, will be able to travel free on Auckland Transport’s bus, train and select ferry services.

Children under the age of five already travel free with a paying adult at any time.

This change comes as part of the $1.1 million contribution from Auckland Council towards public transport initiatives announced earlier in the year.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the free travel will encourage the next generation of public transport users.

“We’re spending more than ever before on building our public transport network across the region. Aucklanders are embracing transport choice, with more than 100 million journeys taken on public transport in the past year,” he says.

“Making public transport free for under 16s on weekends and public holidays will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use existing capacity. Every person on public transport is one less car on the roads, helping to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.”

Colin Homan, AT Group Manager of Integrated Networks says public transport will now be accessible for all young Aucklanders.

“We’re really excited about this, families will be able to enjoy some time together and explore the region without worrying about the traffic.”​

Travel for free

There are a few things that you need to do before you head out on public transport.

You need to make sure that your kids have an AT HOP card and it is registered with a child concession.

Setting up a child discount concession is easy:

1. Buy an AT HOP card for each of your children aged 5 to 15
2. Create a MyAT account
3. Register your child’s AT HOP card
4. Start your adventure!

A child concession will be applied automatically when you register your child’s AT HOP card with the correct date of birth.

It may take 24 - 72 hours after registration for the concession to be applied, so make sure you register the card/s at least two days before you intend to travel.

To find out more, visit at.govt.nz/childweekendfares

Ferries services that are included:

• Bayswater
• Beach Haven
• Birkenhead
• Devonport
• Half Moon Bay
• Hobsonville Point