Changes coming with the Eastern Busway
The next stage of the Eastern Busway opens in early 2027. Some services will change for better connections, more buses and easier access.
On this page
Project details
Start date
April 2026End date
2027Location
East AucklandTransport involved
BusOverview
When the next stage of the Eastern Busway opens in 2027, some east Auckland bus routes and timetables will change to make the most of the new busway. The changes will improve connections to the new stations and create a simpler, better-connected public transport network. It will be easier to reach work, education, shops and other everyday destinations.
This stage will deliver nearly 7 kilometres of dedicated busway between Panmure Station and Botany town centre, separated from general traffic. Four new stations will open:
- Pōhatu (Burswood)
- Koata
- Te Taha Wai
- Pakuranga.
Once complete, the busway will make travel between east Auckland, Botany and Panmure Station faster and easier. From Panmure, customers can connect to:
- the city centre
- the new City Rail Link stations
- destinations across Auckland.
Latest updates
We consulted on proposed changes to some of east Auckland’s bus services in March 2026.
This webpage outlines the changes we’ve made in response to public feedback. You can find more information in the engagement summary report located in the key documents section of this page.
The new 37 frequent route was introduced between:
- Manurewa
- Clendon
- Puhinui Station
- Preston Road
- Highbrook.
As a result of introducing the new route 37 and to avoid duplication, the 352 will be adjusted to travel via:
- Greenan Drive
- Bellingham Road
- Accent Drive.
This change provides a direct connection from south of Flatbush and Ormiston to Highbrook.
Timeline
Service improvements for routes 35 and 353
Route 35 will run every 30 minutes in the evening and have later Sunday services.
Route 353 will start earlier on weekdays and Sundays, improving access across the day.
Frequency upgrades for 711, 712, 733, 734 and 735
There will be improved frequencies for routes:
- 711
- 712
- 733
- 734
- 735.
There will be peak upgrades on 711 and 712 and all services running at least every 30 minutes.
New 356 replaces 314
A new 356 service is planned to replace the 314, linking Ormiston and Flatbush with Manukau Station, Ōtara and Middlemore Hospital.
Services are proposed every 20 minutes at peak and every 30 minutes at other times. The replacement is subject to local road completion.
Busway opening and other service changes
When the next stage of the Eastern Busway opens, route 37 will extend to Pōhatu Station. Routes 351 and 353 will also use the station.
Other changes starting when the busway opens include:
- evening frequency improvements to route 70
- frequency improvements to routes 72C and 72M
- a new peak-only route 706 between Ormiston town centre and Panmure
- a potential AirportLink extension from Manukau to Botany in 2028 or 2029.
Changes to route 72X
When the next stage of the Eastern Busway opens, route 72X will no longer start or finish at Botany town centre or travel via Litten Road.
Around half of trips will start from Millhouse Drive (by the reserve) instead of Meadowlands Shopping Centre. The other half will start from Howick Village.