Source: Auckland Council
Face masks are now available in vending machines at public transport facilities across Auckland.
The masks are in 42 machines at bus and rail stations and ferry wharves.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff commends the initiative.
“Masks are now compulsory on public transport in Auckland, so it’s great to see AT making them easily available in vending machines at their transport stations,” he says.
“The more simple and convenient we can make it to wear a mask, the greater the uptake will be.
“This will mean passengers who may have lost or forgotten their mask can get one quickly and easily and avoid missing their journey. It will help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community.”
Auckland Transport’s Head of Facilities Rachel Freebairn says AT has bought 1500 masks to go into the machines owned by Sanitarium.
“With face coverings now being mandatory on public transport we wanted to make it easy for our customers to buy a mask before they started their journey. We were particularly targeting anyone who has left their mask at home.”
Auckland Transport worked with its partners Office Max and Sanitarium to develop a product that would work in the machines.
“We’re selling a pack of four masks for $9. We came up with that price based on the cost of the stock, a contribution towards reconfiguring the vending machines and on-going servicing by Sanitarium. When setting the price were very conscious that the masks needed to be an affordable option for customers.”
The first stock went in last week and 45 packs have been sold already.
