City centre bus lane changes

While the City Rail Link (CRL) has been under construction, buses have been diverted across the city. As the new central city stations are being completed, and streets re-open, we are moving buses back to their intended routes.

On 29 November 2025 hundreds of buses daily moved to the newly completed Albert Street bus corridor - Auckland’s midtown makeover: Albert Street reopens with new look.

As a result of these changes, we no longer require some bus lanes on Hobson, Cook and Queen streets.  

The proposed changes 

Peak hour bus lane on Queen Street between Shortland and Customs streets

Only one public bus service will run along this section of Queen Street so the bus lane in no longer required.

The change will mean general traffic will be able to travel northbound in this area during peak hours (7-10am and 4-7pm Monday to Friday).  

Hobson Street between Cook and Pitt streets

Bus lanes will be removed as public buses will no longer travel here.

The clearway will be retained between 2:30pm and 7pm. Outside of these hours’ vehicles will be able to park here as they currently do.

Bus lanes will become lanes that can be used by general traffic.

Cook Street between Vincent and Nelson streets

Bus lanes will be removed as public buses will no longer travel here. They will become lanes that can be used by general traffic.

Find out more about the City Centre Bus Plan, an improved bus network for faster, more reliable journeys to the city centre.