Would you like a ticket with that?

Bus commuters using the Albany and Constellation Park & Ride stations can now save time and hassle by buying their bus tickets before they get on the bus.

"Our Coffee Park & Ride kiosks, which opened this month, are now selling bus tickets, including monthly passes," North Shore City's passenger transport manager, Dave Stanley, says.

"They also accept Eftpos, which saves people the inconvenience of paying for a monthly pass with cash. In the past, the only option for buying a monthly pass at the stations was to bring a large amount of cash to pay on the bus."

Mr Stanley says the move is all part of North Shore City Council's effort to make catching public transport more convenient, safer and faster.

"Until now buses were being held up by people paying for their tickets. With the new system, buses can get away faster, and commuters can buy their ticket and a coffee before the bus arrives.

"And there is no need to rush, as people are also able to take their coffees on the Stagecoach and Ritchies buses."

More public transport improvements planned for North Shore City in coming months include transit lanes on several major roads, and moves to extend parking at the Albany Park & Ride station.

"These improvements are part of the lead-up to the opening of the Northern Busway in January 2008, when people will see a major improvement in the city's public transport system."

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