ARTA Media Release
27 April 2009
Simpler routes for Botany, Howick and Manukau give big boost to bus patronage
Bus patronage in the Botany, Howick and Manukau area has been given a big boost by a number of service improvements
introduced by Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), together with Howick and Eastern Buses Ltd, NZ Bus and
Manukau City Council.
ARTA General Manager Customer Services, Mark Lambert says “The changes that have been introduced have made bus travel a
more convenient option for more people in the area, and patronage has been positively impacted as a result.
“Routes between Botany and Auckland CBD have witnessed a phenomenal patronage growth in the region of 60% since changes
to extend the network and improve frequency were implemented from 1 August 2008.
“Routes 680 and 681 were created in place of route 68, servicing a larger area, including Mission Heights which has
rapidly developed in recent years, and running at increased frequencies.”
The introduction of the new Botany Local and Manukau Crosstown bus service network on 1 February 2009 has also generated
excellent increases in patronage.
“In March, patronage was up 15% on the equivalent services in the same month last year, and now that the new routes are
embedded, we believe patronage will continue to grow.”
“The new network is simpler, with 11 routes in place of the previous 20. It provides better service to this rapidly
developing area, with improved connections to rail and to local destinations including Manukau Institute of Technology,
Botany Town Centre and the Highbrook employment area” Mr Lambert says.
“We are delighted with the results that have been generated by the service improvements to date, and we will continue to
work with our operators to facilitate further improvements in the future.”
ENDS