Construction has begun for a new Auckland busway extension, promising faster travel times and reliable bus services, Transport Minister Michael Wood says.
The busway will connect with Papakura and Botany, offering new bus stations and cycling routes.
There will be 5km of separated busway, 12km of separated walking and cycling routes and five new bus stations.
"Auckland's eastern suburbs have one of the highest levels of work journeys by car and lowest use of public transport in Auckland," Wood said.
"With this investment, 24,000 more Aucklanders will live within 1 km of a rapid transit station, which will provide a public transport service catered to the needs of the city.
In the long term, this will provide a reduction in journey times, and better accessibility to wider Auckland, Wood said.
"As a result, we will have a more sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system that better supports economic activity and community life," he said.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says 7,000 people are already using the completed Panmure to Pakuranga busway each day.
"AT (Auckland Transport) tell me they expect 14,000 passengers a day to use the busway by 2028, and 23,000 from 2048."
The project includes the Reeves Road flyover, which will separate traffic coming off the Waipuna Bridge from Ti Rakau Drive, allowing a direct link to Pakuranga Road, Brown said.
"The busway extension is an important step towards an agreed broader plan to future-proof Auckland with one high-quality, joined-up transport system. "
RNZ
