ARTA Media Release
1 May 2008

ARTA ramps up downtown ferry facilities

From May 2008, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is working on several construction projects at the Downtown Ferry Terminal to provide Auckland’s ferry users with improved facilities.

ARTA’s Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie says, “All passenger ferry services terminate at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, making it the most important ferry terminal in the Auckland region. Because the terminal is built on top of wharves that are around 100 years old, over the coming months ARTA will carry out a number of construction works to upgrade and improve the Downtown Ferry Terminal facilities.

“During May and June 2008, we will undertake the construction of a new pedestrian canopy at Pier 2 linking the Ferry Building to the Pier 2 terminal building, and a new bridge to widen the walkway promenade between Piers 1 and 2. Due to these construction works, access to parts of Pier 2 will be restricted throughout this period, and access via the Ferry Building promenade will be limited for short periods of time. Access to ferry services and passenger facilities will not be affected.

“Other changes during this time include the temporary relocation of ferry services from berth 1A (Birkenhead and Half Moon Bay services) to other berths, and the removal of car, bike and motorcycle parking facilities from Pier 2 to alternative parking facilities near Pier 1.

“Starting in May, and for up to 12 months, ARTA will also carry out essential structural repair works to the underside of Piers 1 and 2. During this period, access to the parts of Pier 2 used for the contractors’ facilities and the wharf areas under repair will be limited. Because access to repair works under the wharves will be restricted by tidal ranges, works may be carried out outside of normal working hours*,” Mr Gammie says.

Ferry services will continue to use the Downtown Ferry Terminal during the construction period.

“ARTA will be working closely with its contractors to ensure any inconvenience for ferry users and other stakeholders will be minimal. We would like to thank you for your understanding while we carry out this important work,” Mr Gammie says.

Over the coming years, further development of ferry infrastructure and services will be a strong focus for ARTA, working in partnership with the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and local authorities.

For more information about the upgrade to the Downtown Ferry Terminal and for ferry service information contact MAXX on (09) 366 6400.

* Normal working hours are:
• 6am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
• 7.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday
• 7am to 5.30pm, Sunday

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