Auckland Transport is increasing fares for some and scrapping its 10 percent discount for off-peak travel, starting 2 February.
To manage capacity at busy times, the transport operator had offered a discount to those taking a bus, train, or inner-harbour ferry between 9am and 3pm on weekdays, and on weekday nights and weekends.
But, it said the incentive had not had the impact they had hoped for.
The number of fare zones would also reduce from 14 to 9, with eight zones combined into three new zones.
This meant fares would increase between 15 and 25 cents for each bus and train journey.
Ferry fares would also increase by up to $1.40 per ride.
AT public transport director Stacey van der Putten said a review of public transport fares was needed to cope with substantial increases in costs and more people working from home.
"We know any increases add to people's cost of living and so these are carefully considered, however, the cost of running, maintaining and investing in Auckland's public transport network is also increasing and we need to keep up with this.
"During the Covid-19 pandemic, we had two years when we didn't increase Auckland's public transport fares despite a sharp increase in operating costs and we're now effectively playing catch-up."
Van der Putten said those living far from the central city would see a decrease in fares from the zone map change, the biggest since 2016.
For example, an adult travelling from the Hibiscus Coast to Albany would only pay a one zone fare of $2.80, instead of $4.65 per journey. Or, if they commute from Hibiscus Coast to the city, they would pay $6.25 instead of $7.40 per journey, as they were now only travelling three zones, not four.
Customers travelling from Beachlands to Botany would pay $2.80 instead of $4.45, as they were now only travelling one zone, not two.
The 7-day fare cap for people using a HOP card would remain at $50, and van der Putten said roughly 25,000 customers were benefiting from.
Bus or train users would only be charged for travelling a maximum of four zones, even if they travelled across five or more.
AT's new zones: