INDEPENDENT NEWS

Upgraded Pukekohe Station to improve public transport

Published: Wed 23 Nov 2016 11:55 AM
Auckland Transport media release
23 November 2016
An upgraded Pukekohe Station to improve public transport connections
Main construction work on upgrading Pukekohe Station to a fully-integrated bus and train interchange started today. Once completed in late 2017, it will make it easier for people in Pukekohe and the surrounding areas of Waiuku, Patumahoe and Tuakau to connect between high frequency trains and buses.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Mayor Phil Goff marked the start of main construction work with the turning of the first sods. The Auckland Transport project, which will cost $15.4 million to construct, is funded by Auckland Council and the Government through the NZ Transport Agency.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says, “If we make catching public transport as easy as possible, then people will take it up and that will help with congestion on our roads. I am pleased we have started work on this interchange which will provide much needed public transport solutions for Pukekohe and the surrounding areas.”
Franklin Local Board Chair Angela Fulljames says, “The train station upgrade marks a new era for public transport in and around Pukekohe. It will be a modern facility, fully integrated with the new bus network serving the surrounding area. We think increasing public transport patronage is crucial as the area’s population grows and this plays an important part in achieving that.”
Deputy Chair and transport work programme lead Andy Baker says, “A huge effort went on behind the scenes to ensure this project was actually included in the work programme this year and that the changes to the Custom Street intersection with Manukau Road were included to ensure that bus services remain on time and pedestrian safety was improved.”
Chief AT Metro Officer Mark Lambert says the upgraded Pukekohe Station will be at the heart of the new public transport network for Pukekohe and surrounding areas. “Bus and train transport hubs like Pukekohe Station will allow people to simply turn up and go and not have to plan their trips around a timetable.
“It will have six new bus bays which will be connected to the rail platform via a new overbridge, a cycle parking area and will also have a park and ride facility for 87 cars.
“In July we started constructing a temporary facility for new bus services and the installation of traffic lights at the Custom Street/Manukau Road intersection. The signal lights provide improved reliability for new bus services operating out of Custom Street and also provide a safer crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists over Custom Street/Manukau Road.”
Features
6-bay bus stops integrated with the existing Pukekohe Station
New overbridge with lifts to connect the bus and train station
Park and ride facility for 87 vehicles
Additional ticket machines
Passenger waiting area
Small retail area
Drop and ride area
Cycle parking facilities
24-hour CCTV security
Toilets
Benefits
Facilitate increased public transport services
Better connectivity between new network buses and rail
Provide better and faster connections within the Franklin community and wider Auckland region
Enable bus and train timetables to be aligned
Increased park and ride facilities will encourage people to use train services
ENDS

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