Transport is the big topic for Aucklanders and at council it’s a major focus of my work. Aucklanders are climbing aboard public transport in record numbers and there’s every sign that demand for buses, ferries and trains will continue to skyrocket.
We are currently in the throes of developing a 30 year transport vision referred to as - Transport for Future Urban Growth. With the first phase of consultation on the project now complete, an integrated future transport network is on its way. Public feedback was overwhelming in support for an even greater focus to be given to public transport solutions in the final plan.
Initial consultation showed almost universal support for extending the hugely successful Northern Busway to Orewa, with accompanying park ‘n ride stations. This would mean maximising bus use north of the Harbour Bridge and provide greater travel choices to Hibiscus Coast residents we currently meet in the morning motorway queues. Shifting view to the North West, there was 90% support to build a new Busway from the city to Kumeu and across the Upper Harbour Motorway, highlighting the desire for better transport networks between the West and Auckland North.
Another significant topic highlighted in feedback was the need for improved walking and cycling connections throughout the northern region. We can already see much improvement on this front with the gradual roll outs of cycle and people friendly paths throughout the North Shore and with the potential development of SkyPath across the Harbour Bridge connecting via SeaPath to Takapuna, something I’ve been working on now for ten years.
An obvious gap in the project though, is the significant lack of provision and planning for light-rail on the Shore. I am surprised that plans for light-rail are not included in this template covering the next 30 years of transport development, particularly so considering the Busway will be at capacity a lot sooner than the original 2041 forecast. Whilst the potential to future-proof the Northern Busway to accommodate light rail was a highlighted in the original plan, we are yet to see any concrete discussion regarding light-rail options on our side of the bridge.
We are now being presented for further feedback on developed options. I strongly encourage you as members of the community to have a look at the proposed options and share your thoughts on the proposals. Final recommendations are being discussed at Auckland Transport and NZTA in July and August so make sure you have your say. It’s up to you to mind the gap that we currently have in our transport framework and join with me calling for light-rail for the Shore.
https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/transport-for-future-urban-growth/transport-for-growth-in-northern-auckland/
chris.darby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
