3 November 2005

Pleased with progress of Panmure rail station

Auckland City is pleased to see work get underway on the new Panmure rail station, which will ensure the station can serve growing passenger numbers as rail becomes a more attractive travel option.

"It's great to see work start on another new rail station for Auckland city," says Councillor Richard Simpson, Auckland City's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee chairperson.

"We have received great feedback about the Kingsland and Glen Innes station upgrades, and it's fantastic that progress is being made on another key station in Auckland's rail network."

The new station is being developed by Auckland Regional Transport Network Limited (ARTNL). Resource consents, required for construction to start, were confirmed last week.

Auckland City is developing a park and ride facility alongside the station, due for completion in December 2005. The council is also upgrading the Panmure town centre, a priority growth area.

Together with the new station, the work is a significant step towards providing people with integrated transport hubs. As well as the park and ride facility, the station is also close to bus stops and within easy walking distance from the town centre.

"Auckland City is committed to providing people with real travel choices - rail being a vital one. If more people are going to catch the train, it has to be as or more attractive than travelling by car," says Mr Simpson.

"Park and ride facilities, improved pedestrian areas around the station, improved infrastructure, and good, reliable train services - they all play a role in encouraging more people to choose train travel," says Mr Simpson.

"For growth areas such as Panmure, it's essential good passenger transport options are part of our planning."

The new station includes construction of two new side platforms, and improving access to the platform from existing walkways. The station is expected to be completed, and operational, in March 2006.

The new Panmure rail station and park and ride facility is an important element of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative, a package of transport improvements to unlock the potential of the city's eastern suburbs.

ENDS

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