Auckland Transport (AT) will rework its scheduling between the city and the North Shore after a swathe of buses arrived all at once at Constellation Station on Monday afternoon, causing major delays.
The organisation admits there were "teething issues" on the first day of the new bus network overhaul, and was taking steps to improve the commute on Tuesday.
Some commuters were stuck on buses at Constellation Station for more than 15 minutes on Monday.
"So the new North Shore bus system has been implemented and... we were stuck at Constellation for 15 minutes [thank you] Auckland Transport," one person wrote.
"Absolute chaos at Constellation station with the changes to north shore bus routes as buses have to take a full turn before they can drop off. Wow 20 minutes in constellation and we’re not even moving," another said.
AT's Group Manager Metro Service Delivery, Stacey Van Der Putten, says AT is addressing the problem by removing 37 Northern Express 1 services during peak times in the afternoon.
The organisation's media advisor James Ireland said that commuters should not expect significant delays to the popular route beginning near Britomart, and buses should show up as normal.
"It will probably mean a NX1 every four to five minutes, rather than every two minutes," he said.
Ms Van Der Putten added that AT will also provide temporary traffic management at Constellation Station to help direct bus drivers.
One Twitter user pointed out too many buses was a nice problem to have in the circumstances.
"First Monday of new North Shore Auckland bus network and a bit of bus congestion at Albany. But too many buses is a nice problem to have after living in a bus desert for so long," the user said.
Elsewhere on Twitter, commuters report facing other inconveniences.
One reported waiting 30 minutes for a bus to Hillcrest/Northcote from Fanshawe St during peak times, while another now has to take three buses into the city rather than one.
"Now 30 minutes waiting to get to Northcote/Hillcrest from Fanshawe Street during peak time and the only bus that goes past is full. Seen 5 half empty 82s now!" one person said.
"Not liking the new north shore bus routes :( now I have to take 3 buses to the city even tho I only live 15 mins away," another said.
"Maybe 926 should run in reverse seeing that so many buses went thru Onewa Rd and 0 goes past Akoranga drive anymore?"
But Mr Ireland maintains the changeover went smoothly.
"There's going to be a few teething issues because these are the first few days of the bus network running in the real world. There were a few late buses yesterday.
"But overall, the transition has been positive," he said.
AT's advice to commuters is to plan your journey and leave more time than usual for your trip this week.
"We appreciate your patience and understanding as the roll out of North New Network continues this week," the organisation said on Twitter.
Newshub.
