7 April 2016

Busway for east Auckland a step closer

Plans for New Zealand’s first urban busway from Panmure to Pakuranga in east Auckland are a step closer.

Auckland Transport has lodged a Notice of Requirement (NoR) application with Auckland Council to designate the route for the proposed Panmure to Pakuranga busway and other transport improvements.

The busway is a key part of major improvements to transform east Auckland’s public transport network to provide quicker, frequent and more reliable bus services. As part of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI), the busway will be extended to Botany in the future.

AMETI is a programme of transport improvements aimed at improving transport choices and better connecting people within east Auckland and to the rest of Auckland. The new Panmure Station and Te Horeta Road opened in 2014 as part of AMETI – Stage 1.

The Panmure to Pakuranga (Stage 2a) projects include:

· Panmure to Pakuranga busway on lanes separate to traffic congestion

· Replacing Panmure roundabout with an intersection with traffic lights, bus priority and more direct pedestrian crossings

· Panmure to Pakuranga cycle and foot paths separate to traffic

· Second Panmure Bridge for busway and cycle and footpaths.

Based on current funding, construction is likely to start in 2021, if the designation is approved.

Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board Chair Simon Randall welcomed the step forward on the project. “I look forward to it being publicly notified which will give the chance for the community to have their say. The next stage of AMETI promises real benefits to the Panmure area with proposed improvements to walking, cycling, and public transport.”

Howick Local Board Chair David Collings says “Our growing population in the south-eastern suburbs are pretty limited with public transport options, with buses currently ending up stuck in the same congestion as private vehicles. So speeding up the bus journey and better connecting us to our closest rail link in Panmure is a very welcome project.”

Auckland Transport AMETI Programme Director Peter King says the quality of public transport in the area will be significantly improved by the busway and the new network.

“Large numbers of new passengers, who would otherwise be adding to traffic congestion, are expected to be attracted by buses travelling on congestion free lanes every 5 to 10 minutes between Panmure and Pakuranga.

“The busway is expected to account for about 35 per cent of all journeys across Panmure Bridge in 2026, about 22,000 bus passengers a day. Extending the busway to Botany is expected to increase time savings and the numbers using public transport.

“Safety improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are also an important part of the project. For example, Panmure roundabout is currently a safety blackspot. Upgrading it with a signalised intersection will reduce vehicle crashes, provide more direct crossings for pedestrians and improve cycle safety.

“It will also be possible to cycle or walk on safe, separated paths between Panmure, Pakuranga, and on to Farm Cove and Pigeon Mountain by connecting with the Rotary Walkway along the coast.”

Panmure to Pakuranga (Stage 2a) benefits:

· Shorter and safer walking routes around Panmure town centre and station

· Safer new walking and cycling connections between Panmure and Pakuranga

· The Panmure intersection will prioritise movement of vehicles along Lagoon Drive and Ellerslie Panmure Highway

· Improvements to water quality through increased stormwater treatment.

The new public transport network, which was consulted on in October last year, and the busway will provide significant improvements to the quality of public transport in the area and to the rest of Auckland.

· Making public transport, walking and cycling realistic and safe choices

· More frequent bus services – every 5 to 10 minutes between Panmure and Pakuranga

· Providing a frequent and reliable connection between east Auckland and the train network

· Making bus journey times reliable at any time of the day

· The busway will carry 35% of all journeys across Panmure Bridge in 2026 – about 22,000 bus passengers a day.

ends

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