Media Release

September 2, 2008

New park and ride facility opened

Taking the train just became a lot a lot easier with the opening of a new park and ride facility servicing Sturges Railway Station yesterday.

The 170 car park facility on Swanson Road is the second dedicated park and ride to open in Waitakere. The first was a 100-park facility at Sunnyvale in October last year and planning is underway for the next, at Swanson rail station.

Costing $1.8 million, Sturges Park and Ride was constructed over the past eight months and features a toilet block for convenience of rail patrons and two covered seating areas for those waiting to be picked up. There are also two bike stands for those who cycle to the station. Parking is free.

The site has been designed to mitigate the effects of stormwater through installation of underground detention tanks and plantings to filter stormwater.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey praised those involved the project and the quality of the completed facilities.

“With fluctuating oil prices and some of the transport issues facing the region it is now more urgent than ever that we complete the network.”

Mayor Harvey pointed to the Waitakere City Council’s commitment, alongside its partners such as the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, ONTRACK, Auckland Regional Council and central government, to improving public transport in the region.

“The duplication of the Western Line, electrification of the rail network and the New Lynn trenching project are astounding works for a city this size to be undertaking.”

Park and rides are an essential part of the council’s travel demand management programme, which includes school and business travel and neighbourhood accessibility plans, cycleways, improving footpaths, and improving bus and rail infrastructure.

Sturges Park and Ride at 76 Swanson Rd is now open to the public

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