Bus lanes in the CBD move up a gear

Bus lanes in several key CBD streets will be in place by July this year, making it easier for passengers on western and North Shore buses to travel to and from Auckland’s CBD.

New lanes will be introduced in Mayoral Drive, Albert, Vincent and Sturdee streets to support new bus services and routes being introduced by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) as part of the Northern Busway project, as well as existing Waitakere and western bus services.

The bus lanes and North Shore services will be operational by Sunday 3 July 2005.

“The new CBD bus lanes are a critical part of the passenger transport network and a great example of the region working together to provide solutions,” says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

“Together, the bus lanes and services will make bus travel faster, easier and more reliable for passengers.”

The committee also approved tender documents for the construction of the Fanshawe Street bus lane and road widening which is estimated to cost around $5.5 million. This work is expected to be completed early in 2006.

“Fanshawe Street is the gateway to Auckland’s CBD from the North Shore. The widening and bus lane extensions are integral to the Northern Busway’s success,” says Mr Simpson.

“We’re continuing to roll out bus lanes across the city to encourage more people to choose buses. The new Queen Street bus lane is now operating, and the CBD bus lanes are coming soon,” says Mr Simpson.

The new lanes will be green at the start and end of each lane, to comply with the regional standard and help motorists recognise the bus lanes on their regular routes.

Auckland City’s new bus lanes will start operating just before ARTA’s 3 July implementation date, with work starting in the next two weeks on civil works to prepare for these.

Ends

Note to editors: The Northern Busway is a high-speed dedicated bus lane running from Albany to Fanshawe Street.

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