Northwest Busway Takes Another Step Forward
Faster, more frequent, and reliable public transport for Auckland's growing northwest is a step closer, following a decision by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board to endorse the Northwest Rapid Transit investment case, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
'The northwest of Auckland is home to 90,000 people and is one of the city's largest planned growth areas. By 2051, an additional 100,000 people are expected to be living in the area, with 40,000 new homes, and 40,000 new jobs based there. Delivering faster, more frequent, and reliable public transport is essential and will ensure the transport network can accommodate this growth and ensure people can get where they need to go quickly and safely,' Mr Bishop says.
'Currently, people in the northwest don't have reliable public transport options, and 60 percent of residents commute out of the area. Most people travel to work by car, more than any other area in Auckland, and the Northwestern Motorway regularly suffers from congestion and delays.
'Identified as a priority in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS), delivering the Northwest Busway will be a game changer, and will build on the success of the Northern Busway, City Rail Link, Eastern Busway, and other public transport improvements across Auckland.
'The Northwest Busway includes a park and ride station at Brigham Creek and stations at Westgate, Royal Road, Lincoln Road, Te Atatū, Point Chevalier and Western Springs. It will be able to move up to 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction – the equivalent of four motorway lanes. It will also provide a reliable 25-minute journey time from Brigham Creek to the city centre – all day, every day.'
'The staged construction programme in the investment case prioritises benefits to West Aucklanders sooner and focuses on more people benefitting from faster and more reliable journeys, as quickly as possible, while building on the hugely popular WX1 service,' Mr Bishop says.
'Work is already underway on a new station at Westgate, funded separately by the Government's Infrastructure Reference Group, with the first stage, which will serve local bus services, expected to open in mid-2026.
'Funding of around $116 million has also already been approved by the NZTA Board in late 2024 for early consenting work and strategic property acquisitions for Brigham Creek and Lincoln Road stations. Depending on further funding availability, construction of the Northwest Busway could begin from 2027.
'Stage 1 will see new stations at Brigham Creek and Lincoln Road as part of a $330m – $380m package of work. Stage 2 will include the separated and bi-directional busway from Brigham Creek to Te Atatū, along with the stations at Royal Road and Te Atatū, the second stage of Westgate station, and the city centre connection at Newton at an estimated investment of $4,100m – $4,600m*. The Point Chevalier and Western Springs stations are to be delivered as a third stage.
'NZTA will be engaging with stakeholders and landowners to discuss what the Northwest Busway means for them and next steps. Further design and investigation work will be carried out in the coming months, ahead of lodging Notices of Requirement. The project will now seek to obtain statutory approvals for the project, likely via the Fast Track Approvals Act.
'This is a great example of delivering faster, more effective processes that keep key transport projects moving. We're committed to cutting red tape and ensuring critical infrastructure is delivered sooner to support growth, improve safety and keep New Zealand people and businesses moving.
'Built in stages, the Northwest Busway delivers a strong case for investment with Benefit Cost Ratios of 6.3 for Stage 1, and 2.2 for Stage 2. Incremental delivery is expected over multiple National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) periods, spreading the investment to enhance affordability, and provide a strong pipeline of work for the construction sector into the future.
'This is a common-sense project that will be transformational for the Northwest of Auckland. We need to get on with it, because congestion will only continue to get worse, current public transport will become overcrowded, late and unreliable, and economic growth and productivity in the Northwest will go backwards if we don't.'
This project has also been welcomed by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, saying 'this project will help growth in these areas, but it will also address the existing need for better and faster transport options out West, much like the efficiency of the Northern Busway.'
'It's what Aucklanders have been asking for, it's what I've been advocating for on their behalf, and it's a signal that Wellington is listening to Aucklanders' needs,' Mr Brown says.
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