15 August 2007

Council pleased with bus lane feedback

Auckland City Council has received almost 500 feedback submissions in response to its proposal to install dedicated bus lanes in Queen Street.

An analysis of the feedback is currently being conducted by an independent research company and the results will be presented to the council's Urban Strategy and Governance Committee on 6 September.

Committee chairperson Dr Bruce Hucker is extremely pleased with the number of submissions the council has received.

"The initial analysis indicates a good level of support for bus lanes," he says.

"The council is still proceeding with the proposal, however officers are recommending that we defer any decision until further research has been conducted.

"We want to ensure we have all the information we need to make the right decision."

Council officers want the decision to be deferred to allow time to fully address issues raised by the CBD Board - an external advisory group representing residents, tourism, Ngati Whatua, educational institutes, retailers and other businesses in the CBD.

The CBD Board assists Auckland City Council with the planning, shaping and delivery of Auckland's CBD Into the Future 10-year strategy. At its July meeting, it requested further information be provided on the effects that the installation of bus lanes might have, including economic impact, before a decision is made.

Council officers are also working with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) to provide a coherent transport plan that covers the Albert Street, Symonds Street and Queen Street bus routes.

Under the proposal, each kerbside lane would be dedicated to buses and the inside lanes would be available for private cars.

The proposed bus lanes would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, running between Mayoral Drive and Customs Street (northbound) and from Customs Street to Karangahape Road (southbound).

ENDS

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