Have your say on the Eastern Busway
Auckland Transport (AT) is keen to hear the community’s views on the next stage of the Eastern Busway project, a 5km stretch linking Pakuranga and Botany.
“We want to hear from East Auckland residents and business owners about how this project will support their changing transport needs given their diverse and growing community, home to an estimated 160,000 people by 2030,” says Auckland Transport Chief Executive Shane Ellison.
“The Eastern Busway will be a vital part of Auckland’s future transport network and when completed will carry more than 30,000 passengers daily, giving 24,000 more people access to a high-quality bus station within 1km walking distance of home as well as excellent facilities for those on bikes or on foot.”
Everyone’s welcome to visit the project’s virtual consultation room or website to see the draft design and give feedback. Already there have been more than 3,000 visitors to the Eastern Busway website and their comments and recommendations will be considered as an important part of the design review.
The proposed design significantly increases access to a rapid transport network for surrounding residential communities.
It will also be a safer route for walking, cycling, bus and road users; improve bus journey efficiency and reliability and minimise disruption for the strategic freight route; be approximately 12-18 months quicker to build; and support this fast-growing area of Auckland by opening it up for future land use in line with policies on urban development.
“We acknowledge the proposed changes will affect the Burswood residential community and we are committed to building a further understanding of these impacts through this consultation,” Mr Ellison says.
The release of the design and consultation period comes as the Panmure to Pakuranga section of the Eastern Busway is nearing completion, due to open in December.
“A reliable, turn up and go busway will make a huge difference in our community. Investing in sustainable public transport will ensure we can meet the needs of all people who live, work and travel in East Auckland. I encourage our community to have its say now to help shape our future busway,” says Adele White, Howick Local Board Chair.
To find out more and have your say, visit www.easternbusway.nz