AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

7 December 2005

Don't miss the bus!

Get to Britomart this Friday for your last chance to view and comment on concept designs for one of Auckland city's most important public transport projects, the central transit corridor (CTC).

The designs are currently on display in the Britomart main foyer, and online. Auckland City's project team will be on site on Friday to answer questions and talk to people about the designs.

The CTC is a $20 million busway that will introduce 24 hour bus lanes on Symonds Street and Park Road, seven days a week. Once the corridor project is finished, Grafton Bridge will also become a bus lane from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday - prioritised for buses, bikes, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

"The CTC is the biggest public transport project currently underway in the city. It will also mean big changes for motorists travelling in this key part of Auckland," says Councillor Richard Simpson, chairperson of the council's Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

"It's important people come and have a look at the designs, so they are familiar with the changes before construction starts next year. Feedback received from the display will help us finalise the design, and guide construction of the corridor.

"We've received some very valuable feedback from the displays so far. A lot of people are interested in how Grafton Bridge will operate, and particularly in the alternate routes map that's on display," says Mr Simpson.

"Parking is being removed in places, so people have come along to find out exactly when and where.

"The CTC project is expected to shave 14 minutes from bus trips between Newmarket and Auckland's CBD, and that's exciting for people who are looking for a real alternative to driving a car to the city each day," says Mr Simpson.

The open day is the last day the public can provide feedback on the CTC before the detailed design is finalised. People can also look at the designs and give feedback online: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/ctc

What: Central transit corridor concept designs, public open day
When: Friday, 9 December 2005
9am to 5.30pm
Where: Britomart Transport Centre, main foyer

ENDS

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