New bus hubs for Kilbirnie, Johnsonville

27 June 2017

Residents of the eastern and northern suburbs are being asked for their views on where to locate new bus hubs planned for Kilbirnie and Johnsonville next year.

Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council today began public consultation on options at each site as part of its region-wide overhaul of bus routes and timetables scheduled for July next year.

Greater Wellington’s Sustainable Transport Committee Chair, Cr Barbara Donaldson, says the existing hubs are poorly located and have to go.

“Johnsonville’s hub is in the carpark of the local mall, which is scheduled for redevelopment, so there is no choice but to move. We also need more space to cope with an increase in services passing through the hub from next year.

“In Kilbirnie, buses arrive and depart from three stops on Rongotai Road and one on Bay Road. This layout causes congestion in the town centre and offers little space or shelter for waiting passengers.

“In each suburb, we’ve developed three location options. All are viable, so it’s a matter of which mix of advantages and disadvantages appeals to more people.

“Some might want a more compact layout so it’s easier to get on and off connecting buses. Others might favour easier access to shops and facilities. Still others might want a layout that offers the fastest, most direct route for buses.

“In Kilbirnie, for example, we could have all the stops on Evans Bay Parade, or all on Rongotai Road, or divide them between the two.

“It’s a question of choice – which is why we’re seeking the views of residents and commuters.”

Facilities at five other bus hubs will also be upgraded at a total cost of $3.5 million, but their locations will remain unchanged. They are in Newtown, Courtney Place, Miramar, Brooklyn and Karori Tunnel.

The cost of relocating the hubs includes building new shelters, widening footpaths, removing parking spaces where necessary, installing new curbing and altering road markings.

Cr Donaldson says consultation documents containing maps overlaid with each option, together with pros and cons, can be found at each suburb’s library and at Metlink.org.nz/bus-hubs. Copies can also be mailed out (call 0800 801 700).

Greater Wellington will be talking to resident associations and local schools.

Consultation runs until 14 July, after which a recommendation will go to both councils, along with publication of consultation results.

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