Source: Radio New Zealand
March heralds the busiest traffic patterns of the year in many big cities. RNZ / Lucy Xia
Explainer – If your Monday morning commute feels a little madder than usual this week, it’s not just you.
The peak transport season known as ‘March Madness’ kicks off around the country, with the University of Auckland starting its new year on 2 March and many others following suit.
“More people use Auckland’s transport network from February until early April than at any other time of year,” Auckland Transport (AT) group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said.
Why exactly is March Madness a thing?
It may be a couple months into the new year, but between the confluence of universities, schools and the last stragglers from holiday getaways all returning, it always puts a strain on transport systems.
“It’s basically the highest level of transport demand that exists,” director of transport advocacy website Greater Auckland Matt Lowrie told Nine to Noon recently.
“One of the things that happens is that we get lulled into a false sense of security of how easy it is when the traffic is low and during those school holidays.”
In Auckland, AT predicts more than 2 million passenger journeys each week – with buses, trains and ferries making 13,500 trips a day.
Cara said that Auckland’s “network will be the busiest on weekdays during peak times, between 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm, with Wednesdays generally the busiest weekday.”
Discounted fares for Auckland university students have also been increased this year.
“We do anticipate higher spikes during March after tertiary concessions recently changed from being 25 percent to 40 percent,” Cara said. “We’ve already seen a 25 percent uplift in trips compared to same time last year, and this is likely to rise as university students come back.”
Lowrie said “we’ve often forgotten how bad it was at this time last year because even throughout after April when March Madness normally runs through to about Easter, it does drop off for sort of the rest of the year”.
Does it happen everywhere or just in lucky old Auckland?
It’s definitely not just a JAFA thing, and is seen around the country – especially in areas with universities.
“We would definitely say March Madness is a phenomenon also experienced across Otago,” said Otago Regional Council implementation lead for transport Julian Phillips.
“Each February and March, public transport networks in Dunedin and Queenstown experience significant seasonal variations in demand at peak times.”
Like everywhere else, school, university study and returns from summer leave add up to put pressure on networks, he said.
“Travel patterns, particularly for school students, also take a few weeks to settle as families establish new routines.”
Wellington also has a busy month ahead.
“We expect patronage to lift on Metlink buses, trains, and ferries during March,” Metlink senior manager of operations Paul Tawharu said.
Wellington reached 2.6 million bus boardings in March 2025, he said.
State Highway 16 full of slow moving morning traffic as the sun rises. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
How do transport agencies prepare for it?
Auckland has added larger buses on 37 popular routes, an additional eight school bus services for Term 1, and has “banker” buses ready to deploy as needed.
Higher load services include the NX1 on the Northern Busway, which offers 3300 seats per hour capacity during peak time.
In Otago, “we are closely monitoring services, adjusting vehicle allocations where possible, and prioritising high-demand routes to support customers,” said Phillips.
“We appreciate passengers’ patience during this peak period and remain focused on getting everyone to their destinations safely and on time.”
The long-awaited $5.5 billion Auckand City Rail Link (CRL), the country’s most expensive transport infrastructure, is expected to open later this year, and AT is gearing up for it.
“With new trains arriving ahead of CRL we are now operating over 40 peak trips, including school trips with six-car trains,” Cara said.
However, the rail network is still expected to face some periodic shutdowns as CRL work and testing continues this year.
“These will be limited to weekends and public holidays as much as possible, however we are asking Aucklanders to be prepared for longer closures in the April school holidays,” Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten told RNZ.
Once the CRL is fully up to speed, she said it will make a difference for March Madness and madness all the rest of the year.
“It is expected to lead to less congestion on our roads, than if it had not been built, based on analysis at the business case stage.”
The CRL will allow easier access by train and improved connections, van der Putten said.
“This will benefit those who do need to drive by reducing congestion, delays and wear and tear.
“The reason we invest in better public transport is to attract more choice users – this frees roads up to be used by people who genuinely need them.”
Public transport use can decrease road traffic. Photo/Auckland Transport
Is there any way I can avoid all this traffic madness?
If you’re driving, take the extra volumes into account.
“Plan ahead and allow extra time,” Cara said.
In Auckland, the AT Journey Planner app can help plan your trip. Other local apps or Google and Apple maps can also be useful.
“If possible, car-pool with family, friends or colleagues so you can travel on T2 and T3 lanes to reduce journey times and help disperse traffic,” she said.
In Wellington, Tawharu said public transport can ease the pain.
“We encourage our region’s commuters to reduce congestion and transport emissions by leaving their cars at home and catching Metlink services.”
Greater Wellington also has an annual Movin’ March programme, in partnership with local councils and primary schools, celebrating the benefits of walking, scooting and biking to school.
With packed buses and trains, Cara said being considerate will go a long way – and don’t forget to tag on and off with your payment or AT HOP card.
“Please be patient. You may need to wait for the next bus on our high frequency corridors.
“If standing on a busy bus or train carriage, move down as far as possible, filling every seat to create as much room as possible for more people to get on board. Do not leave belongings on the seat next to you and move down in buses and train carriages to create space for others.”
It’s not required, but it doesn’t hurt to thank the driver too as you leave. After all, for them, March Madness can often feel like it runs the whole year long.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand