North Shore Busway approved for funding

Auckland's North Shore Busway project has today been approved for funding by the Transfund New Zealand Board.

The decision means Transit New Zealand can now proceed with the $180 million construction project.

The project comprises a separate roadway for buses and high-occupancy vehicles on the eastern side of the Northern Motorway.

Board chair Dr Jan Wright says the Board congratulates Transit and Auckland authorities on the way they have worked together to get the project to this point.

"This busway is a strategically significant project for the Auckland region and represents another major step in public transport projects for New Zealand.

"It contributes to the development of a sustainable land transport system for Auckland and promotes use of public transport and other transport modes," she says.

In approving the funding, the Board noted the joint commitment of Transit, Auckland Regional Council, Infrastructure Auckland, North Shore City Council and Auckland City Council to begin associated projects, such as construction of bus stations and development of bus services, in a co-ordinated and compatible manner.

The busway is the fourth of the six projects over $20 million, as reviewed by Transfund in December, to be approved for funding. ends

Transfund New Zealand is the government agency responsible for allocating funding toward an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for New Zealand. It funds a range of land transport solutions based on funding applications received from Transit New Zealand, territorial authorities and regional councils. See our website www.transfund.govt.nz for more information.