Community to have its say on Takapuna Bus Station

North Shore City Council is urging everyone who lives, works, shops or studies in Takapuna to have their say on plans for upgrading the centre's bus station.

"Takapuna is the busiest transport interchange in North Shore City, and we need to make sure we come up with the best possible plan to suit bus users, businesses and residents," North Shore City Council's infrastructure and environment committee deputy chairperson, Chris Darby.

"More than 2800 people use Takapuna bus station every day. We want to create a 'signature station' that will not only be safe and comfortable, but make people want to leave their cars at home and catch the bus."

A proposal for the station upgrade includes relocating the city's Visitor Information Centre from Hurstmere Green to a more central spot, adjacent to the bus station.

"This would make the area a focal point for information about Takapuna and North Shore City, as well as transport and timetable information," Chris Darby says.

"Features of the bus station would include comfortable seating, good weatherproofing, convenient access, and, importantly, outstanding design.

"We expect the numbers of buses using the station to increase significantly. This project would also involve improvements to Anzac St to ensure buses and other traffic can move freely in and out of the centre of Takapuna."

Council staff will be preparing brochures and other material to distribute to residents, businesses and bus users in the coming months, explaining options for the bus station and asking for feedback.

"This project is part of a much wider effort to improve public transport in North Shore City, and will complement the Northern Busway and other bus priority measures around the city," Chris Darby says.

"We are encouraging everyone to make a contribution to creating a bus station that will be the envy of the rest of Auckland."

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