Modern bus station unveiled for Hibiscus Coast
Auckland Transport (AT) officially opened the newly completed Hibiscus Coast Bus Station - just off the Northern Motorway at Silverdale.
The station has been the public transport hub for the coast for several years – but only with limited facilities.
The new station building is now complete with 90 new carparking spaces (over 600 spaces in total), culturally significant artwork, a retail kiosk, bike parking, AT HOP top-up machines and waiting areas - which are well lit and protected from the elements.
The new Hibiscus Coast Bus Station will help people make better transport choices that reduce private vehicle use, ease congestion and benefit the environment, says Transport Minister Michael Wood – who opened the new station today, alongside the Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff.
On the Northern Express bus, a trip from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station to the city centre takes an average of only 37 minutes at 7.30am.
This will be even quicker when the Northern Busway extension, between Constellation and Albany, is complete.
Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker says the new bus station will help with the growing popularity of bus travel - which is critical to relieving congestion on local roads and the northern motorway.
Fellow Albany Ward Councillor John Watson agrees.
“This is a wonderful new facility for the people of the Hibiscus Coast, in what is now one of New Zealand’s largest park and ride stations.”
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Gary Brown says today marks a milestone for public transport on the coast.
"It's exciting to see the transport hub open and fully operational. Our community has eagerly anticipated this day. Now they get to enjoy the convenience of a modern facility - which will make travelling by bus so much easier come winter.”
The new station building is similar in design to existing AT stations at Albany and Constellation Drive.
Mark Lambert, AT’s Head of Integrated Networks, says the station has great connections to surrounding areas.
“All buses leave from four stops, with high frequency Northern Express services running to Auckland city centre and connecting with local services to fast growing areas in Waiwera, Orewa, Silverdale, Whangaparaoa and Warkworth,” Mr Lambert says.
The project was co-funded by Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Total funding was $23.4 million, with $11.7 million from Waka Kotahi’s National Land Transport Fund (NLTF).