Latest news with #NorthwestBusway
1News
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
New fleet of electric double-decker buses launched in West Auckland
Twenty-six new electric double-decker buses have been launched in West Auckland, part of the city's desire to fully replace its diesel fleet within the next decade. On Sunday, the new double-deckers, part of a 44-strong electric bus rollout, began service on the Western Express bus line, WX1, from Westgate to the CBD. Passengers would experience a smoother and quieter ride with less external air pollution. The new electric fleet also includes buses equipped with wireless phone charging pads for passengers and protection shields for drivers. Auckland Transport (AT) fleet specification manager Edward Wright said there was a 2030 target for all buses entering the city centre to be electric. Auckland now has 224 electric buses, which AT said meant it operated more electric buses than any other city in Australasia. "Each of these new double-decker electric buses can fit 100 passengers, and we have boosted capacity on the WX1 service by an additional 7333 seats every weekday, and 51,000 seats every week," Wright said. "We're adding another 31 electric buses to our fleet by the end of June. By August next year, we will have a fleet of 450 electric buses, which is around a third of the 1350 buses that operates AT's services. "Longer term, we have plans in place for Auckland's bus fleet to be fully electric by 2035." AT public transport services and planning development head Pete Moth said bus lines had also been upgraded in West Auckland as part of the fleet changeover. 'We have replaced the old 120 service with the frequent 12 service. This new route links Greenhithe and Constellation Station on the North Shore, and unlike the old service, it will run along the motorway instead of residential roads – meaning faster journeys for most users," he said in a media release. "It will initially run every 12 to 15 minutes in peak times, and every 30 minutes at off-peak times. Once necessary charging facilities are in place, route 12 will run at least every 15 minutes, 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. "This will bring around 40% of West Aucklanders within walking distance of a turn-up-and-go bus or train service. "We have also added more trips to the WX1 and 11T/W services." It follows the Government's announcement last week that it intended to proceed with the Northwest Busway project - which takes the route of the WX1 bus - with new cost estimates revealing a $4.4 billion pricetag.
NZ Herald
23-04-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Mill Rd highway in South Auckland receives $91m funding boost for design work, consents
Bishop said South Auckland was the fastest growing area in the Auckland region, with 120,000 more people expected to make it their home over the next 30 years. 'We need to get on and deliver crucial transport infrastructure that supports that kind of growth, reduces congestion, improves safety, and helps unlock housing,' he said. The investment case for Mill Rd Stage 1 includes: Four-lane (general traffic) corridor including a westbound bus lane at the northern end. Two new and six upgraded intersections between SH1 interchange and Murphys Rd. Three new roundabouts. New bridges across Puhinui Creek and Cheesman's Bush. Current Mill Rd south of Redoubt Rd becomes a shared path and property access road. The minister said stage 1 has substantial benefits, including a 30% reduction in congestion on the corridor, over 60% reduction in deaths and serious injuries, and by 2031, 25% faster journey times. 'The endorsement of the investment case and approval of design and consent funding for Stage 1 provides certainty on the next steps as the project moves to complete the design and technical work necessary for construction to begin as early as mid-2026. 'In order to deliver benefits for the people, communities and businesses of South Auckland as soon as possible, NZTA are planning on dividing the construction of Stage 1 in different construction packages so they can start work sooner in places where there is more certainty around the existing environment. 'Mill Rd Stage 1 covers a range of different environments, including sections that are highly urban, through to rural areas, as well as locations that require more technical assessments to determine the most appropriate design and construction methods. 'The plan is to focus on Stage 1b from Hollyford Drive to Hilltop Rd, along with a piece of work to the south [Stage 1d], which includes roundabout improvements around the Mill Rd Alfriston area. Stage 1a between State Highway 1 [SH1] and Hollyford Drive and Stage 1c from Hilltop Rd to north of Alfriston will be delivered later,' Bishop said. Technical work to secure the route protection and other approvals for future Stages 2 and 3 is scheduled to begin from mid-2026. Manurewa-Papakura councillor Daniel Newman said today's announcement reverses the 'stall and cancel' tactic of the previous Labour Government which canned the four-lane highway for a two-lane safety-focused upgrade. 'We have to get on with the construction of Mill Rd, starting with intersection upgrades and the carriageway of that corridor between Redoubt and Alfriston roads in the north. We have to progress route protection work in Takanini and Papakura east, and we have to progress the work for what will be the alternative route to State Highway 1,' Newman said. Mill Rd is one of 17 Roads of National Significance planned by the Government. Bishop yesterday announced progress on the Northern Expressway between Auckland and Whangarei, and construction on the Northwest Busway could begin in as little as 18 months.
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Northwest Busway Will Transform Auckland's Western Suburbs
Press Release – EMA The decision today by the NZ Transport Agency to endorse the Northwest Busway investment case is welcome news for West Auckland residents, says EMA's Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald. 'We've seen the success of the Northern Busway in significantly reducing traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge,' he says. 'There is no doubt that the Northwest Busway will have a similarly transformative impact on Auckland's burgeoning north-western suburbs.' Today's decision follows other significant infrastructure announcements by the government this week, including the preferred corridor for a four-lane connection over the Brynderwyn Hills to Whangārei, as well as the Tauriko four-laning and Takitimu North projects in Tauranga. 'Together, these major roading projects will generate thousands of jobs and provide much needed work for the construction sector.'
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Northwest Busway Takes Another Step Forward
Press Release – New Zealand Government 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. 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. Estimated project investment:
Scoop
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Northwest Busway Takes Another Step Forward
Press Release – New Zealand Government 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.
