Bustle: Transforming Auckland's Public Transport Landscape

Sometimes, the most pressing challenges seem to sneak up on you until they're glaringly obvious. Public transport in Auckland, much like my morning coffee ritual, is essential but often underappreciated. We know it's the backbone of a thriving city, supporting everything from the economy to citizen wellbeing. Yet, here we are, overwhelmed by traffic, pollution, and an outdated system that struggles to keep up. As an avid reader of Greater Auckland, I often find myself nodding along to their insights and lamentations, but I also know that change is possible.

Auckland faces low public transport occupancy, increasing traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and strains on transportation infrastructure. Despite Auckland's population dropping for the first time in 2021, peak travel times rose by 23%, highlighting the urgent need for better public transport solutions.

Switching from personal vehicles to buses can cut individual carbon emissions by over 56%. If every New Zealand household swapped two car trips per week for climate-friendly transport, it could save around 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Auckland Transport's $900 million revenue drop since COVID-19, due to declining passenger numbers, makes it challenging to maintain reliability and invest in greener fleets.

Introducing Bustle

This brings us to Bustle, our (obvious) brainchild aiming to breathe new life into public transport. Think of it as a loyalty program, but for buses, trains, and ferries. You hop on, earn points, and swap them for cool perks. We're talking:

• Carbon offsets
• Charitable donations
• Bus fare discounts
• AT merchandise
• Exclusive transport perks (like parking)

Gamification encourages riders to adopt greener commutes, track their carbon reductions, and actively participate in reducing Auckland's carbon footprint.

The Power of Data

Visualizing Auckland through Bustle's data overlays feels a bit like rediscovering your city. Trains cover a modest 18% of transport needs. It's not just about seeing the problem but imagining the potential fixes.

Traffic density data, bus stops, and routes come together showing before-and-after scenarios where congestion fades like a bad dream. It's more than just numbers—it's a story of change, one ride at a time.

Conclusion

Bustle isn't just about points or perks. It's about fostering a love affair between Aucklanders and public transport.

The path ahead, much like navigating rush hour, might be challenging. But together, with smart data and creative solutions, we can steer Auckland toward a sustainable future.

Dive into our GitHub repository for more of the Bustle journey.