Auckland City Council
Media release

7 May 2009

Commuters to benefit from changes for Tamaki Drive bus lane

Eastern suburbs commuters who travel with other passengers in their vehicle can expect to get to work five minutes faster when the Tamaki Drive bus lane will also become a carpool transit lane on a trial basis.

The transition is expected to increase the route's capacity and help ease morning congestion.

The trial, approved by the council today, will occur later this year.

Transport Committee chairman, Councillor Ken Baguley said that when the changes are implemented, carpoolers can expect to save more than five minutes per trip along Tamaki Drive.

“I expect the time-saving will provide a big incentive for motorists to switch from single-occupancy vehicles, and share the journey. This move to allow some cars into the bus lane is a sensible solution to increase the route’s capacity.

“Once implemented, the council will closely monitor how the new arrangement is performing.”

Traffic volumes along Tamaki Drive average around 1000 vehicles per hour in the morning peak period, which is when the bus and trial transit lane is operational.

The committee also heard that the Remuera Road bus lane – established in December 2008 – is still settling in, but initial monitoring has shown an average five minute time saving for bus passengers. Analysis will continue to more accurately determine the impact the Remuera Road bus lane is having on car journey times.

Ends

© Scoop Media