AT welcomes funding confirmation for the Eastern Busway AT welcomes funding confirmation for the Eastern Busway
Date: 10 December 2022
Artist impression of the completed Eastern Busway and its Edgewater Station in Pakuranga.
Auckland Transport welcomes today’s announcements that Government funding of a further $200 million for the Eastern Busway has been confirmed, and that Mayor Wayne Brown and Transport Minister Michael Wood will work together to lead the development of a single, joined-up passenger transport and freight plan for Auckland, covering all modes.
Auckland Transport’s Interim Chief Executive Mark Lambert says the busway’s efficient services will give nearby communities some great options for using public transport and will be a vital part of the public transport network in Tāmaki Makaurau for decades to come.
“The Eastern Busway will provide better connections and sustainable travel options with a reliable high frequency service every few minutes in peak periods providing a 40-minute bus and train trip between Botany Town Centre and Britomart, saving 20 minutes.
“Auckland Transport recently signed the construction alliance agreement for delivery of the next stage of the Eastern Busway from Pakuranga Town Centre towards Botany, including the new Reeves Road Flyover, which will improve the reliability of the busway and will reduce vehicle congestion around Pakuranga Town Centre.
“Confirmation of the additional $200 million will provide funding certainty to allow the final stages of the Eastern Busway project to be confirmed and contracted.
Acting Chair Wayne Donnelly says a single transport plan and vision for Auckland is crucial for now and the future of our transport network.
“AT looks forward to working hard to support the mayor and his office in this work as key advisers - and even more so for the results next year, that will give us and our transport delivery partners including Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail clear, agreed political direction to guide our strategy and decisions.
“We will begin work immediately to provide that support. We also welcome the Minister’s and Mayor’s comments in regard to major projects for our region, because to make the best decisions for both the short and longer terms, it will also be crucial for AT to know, as soon as possible, central and local government’s intentions on key strategic issues. A single transport plan must take into account direction on further housing developments, waterfront land currently used by the port including freight access, the stadium strategy and light rail.
“Today’s announcements will support our ability to deliver with our partners on a single transport plan. The more certainly we have over central and local government’s intentions on those significant matters, the better the support we will be able to give to the mayor and his councillors as work begins on the agreed joined-up plan.”