May 21, 2004

Progress on bus priority measures

North Shore City residents will soon be asked to choose between different options for introducing transit and cycle lanes in Constellation Drive, Forrest Hill Rd and Shakespeare Rd. Options will also be put forward for an upgrade of the bus interchange in Highbury Centre.

Alternatives were presented this month to the council's works and environment committee, with approval now given for public consultation to begin. Options to allow for transit and cycle lanes on these roads include a range of measures.

Transit lanes on key roads are aimed at improving the speed and reliability of public transport services, and encouraging more people to use buses. The new transit lanes will ultimately link up with the North Shore Busway and are an important part of an upgraded regional rapid transit network that will deliver fast and frequent services. North Shore City Busway park and ride stations are due to open at Constellation Drive and Albany next year, with new bus services being introduced in April 2005.

Bus priority measures have already proven successful in North Shore City. The Onewa Rd Transit Lane has increased bus patronage on that route by 25 per cent, by improving the speed and reliability of buses between North Shore City and central Auckland. In Auckland City, a peak hour bus priority lane in Dominion Rd has led to the number of bus users rising by more than 70 per cent on that route.

These four projects are the first of many planned for North Shore City in the coming months. Overall, the city is planning to spend $1.8m on bus priority measures next financial year (2004/5).

"Bus priority measures in these streets are will be critical uncongested links into the planned North Shore Busway and will connect key city destinations and get more people onto public transport," chairperson of North Shore City's works and environment committee, Joel Cayford, says.

"We now need to consult with residents, businesses, bus users and other groups to make sure we choose the best possible options for these transit lanes to cater for bus users, cyclists and drivers."

ENDS

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