Public opinion sought on $100m upgrade to Northwest bus service

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Public transport in northwest Auckland is on the verge of receiving a $100 million touch up.

Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are asking for public opinion on an upgrade to bus routes that would speed up travel for 175,000 commuters.

The project would extend the existing bus shoulder lanes along the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and build interim bus stops at Westgate and the Lincoln Road and Te Atatū motorway interchanges.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford said the project will allow faster and more frequent bus services.

“Bus passengers going from Westgate to the city during the morning peak could save up to 35 minutes on their journey as a result of these improvements,” he said.

“This project will also create around 300 jobs and support our economic recovery.”

Funding of $100 million has been provided to deliver these interim bus improvements as part of the Government’s recently announced stimulus funding package of infrastructure projects.

The improvements are to be built over the next five years and, once complete, will encourage more people to use public transport while plans are made for longer-term improvements.

Feedback is open until Sunday 25 October. To provide feedback, go to AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay