20 July 2006

Significant Step Forward For Manukau’s Public Transport

The new Manurewa interchange is a significant step forward for public transport in Manukau, Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

The Manurewa transport interchange was officially opened today by Prime Minister Helen Clark, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis and ARTNL Chairman Ross Keenan.

“This is a significant event for Manukau and the Auckland region because of the shift in approach to public transport,” Sir Barry says.

“People can now catch a local bus, stop right next to the rail station and then get on a train.

“The quality of the facility and the time and cost savings means a real alternative exists for people travelling to destinations served by rail. I’m hoping a lot more people in Manukau are going to use public transport,” Sir Barry says.

“In recent times the number of journeys by rail have been increasing about 30 per cent every year and five million trips were made in the last 12 months. This proves that as services and facilities increase so do the number of people using public transport.

“Manurewa now has probably the best bus and train station in the region after Britomart. I encourage people to see how easy and convenient it is to use.”

The interchange has a new train station and bus stops behind the shopping centre. More than 200 park n ride spaces have also been created at the new interchange as another step to make using public transport easier.

People can also walk and cycle to the interchange, with an area to lock up bikes.

New and improved bus services have been introduced to link better with rail services, with the aim of encouraging more people to use public transport. To check train and bus timetables visit www.maxx.co.nz or call 09 366 6400.

The location and design of the interchange supports the development of Manurewa as one of Manukau’s growth centres.

FACTS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- A new train station located conveniently behind Southmall shopping centre with buses stopping nearby

- An easy and convenient connection with bus and train services which run throughout the region

- More than 200 park n’ ride spaces and drop off zones

- Security surveillance, improved lighting and all weather shelter

- Bus services in the Manurewa area have been revised to serve the new facility and link better with rail services

- Sunday and public holiday bus services doubled - routes 454 and 455 servicing Clendon and Weymouth

- More and longer operating services for Clendon, Weymouth, Wattle Downs and Manukau City Centre - routes 454, 455 and 456 will operate longer hours Monday to Friday

- More direct route between Botany, Manukau city centre and Manurewa interchange, including new Sunday services - route 66.

ENDS

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