Extra parking and improved technology is making it easier for commuters to catch the train.
In Sydney, Transport for NSW is rolling out a trail of pre-booking of car parking spaces at Ashfield station.
Passengers who use their Opal card and book a spot with the Park&Ride Pre-booked App and stay for up to 18 hours for as low as $10 a day. Tapping their Opal card at the exit to the carpark will allow passengers to access a reduced fee.
License plate recognition technology will identify the booking once the driver arrives at the parking facility.
“We know car parks can fill up quickly during the morning peak and this new parking system will provide peace of mind for drivers who know they can pre-book a space at a time that suits them,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“Catching public transport and supporting customers in their first and last mile has never been easier. This is all about making parking as convenient and hassle free as possible for those wanting to connect from their car to the transport network.”
The trial will begin on February 9.
In Auckland, extra bicycle parking has been added to Panmure train station, as part of a wider deployment of bike parking at public transport stops.
The new facilities include covered and indoor parking.
The additions are in response to an increase in demand, said Rachel Freebairn, Auckland Transport Metro’s head of facilities.
“More and more people are choosing to ride a bike to connect with bus or train travel which has meant there has been a shortage of suitable parking at some bus and train stations,” she said.
“This rollout is all part of our ongoing programme and commitment to improve facilities for cycling across our public transport hubs, and follows on from work previously completed at Devonport and Gulf Harbour.”
Aucklanders have increasingly adopted cycling and e-bikes to navigate the city’s hilly roads, with weather protection and security a key consideration when using a bicycle to connect with a public transport service, according to Bike Auckland chair Barb Cuthbert.