6 March 2001

The citybound bus priority lane on Fanshawe Street, Auckland City, is to be retained following a decision by the Transport and Roading Committee.

Committee chairwoman Councillor Catherine Harland says: “The traffic problems experienced when the new layout was introduced in June last year have proved to be just teething problems and these have now been well and truly overcome. Commuters have adjusted and the bus lane appears to have slightly decreased travel times for passengers.”

Bus operators have indicated that the citybound lane works as expected and that the new route via Hobson Street to the Victoria Street terminal is becoming increasingly popular.

“Once again it seems, the decision to introduce bus priorities has been the right one,” says Councillor Harland. “Auckland City continues to lead the way with on-the-ground improvements for buses, making its vision for a region with an integrated network of travel choices more of a reality.”

The committee also agreed to change the evening peak outbound bus lane, so traffic turning left into Halsey Street can do so more easily.

A section of the outbound lane between Nelson Street and Halsey Street will be converted to a left-turn only lane for general traffic, but buses will be permitted to travel straight through to access the remaining section of the outbound bus lane.

“The change will also assist police with enforcement and emergency tasks,” says Councillor Harland.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Councillor Catherine Harland, tel: 636 8464.

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