The Government and Auckland Council have confirmed the funding. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Government and Auckland Council have confirmed the funding. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Transport Minister has confirmed funding for the final stretch of the Eastern Busway in Auckland, a project expected to help “reshape” how residents get around the city.
The project, which is set to connect the Auckland suburb of Botany to Pakuranga and Panmure with largely separate busways, ispegged to cost $1.4 billion all up and will fully open in 2027.
On Thursday, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council confirmed $101 million in funding for the final part, the Botany link near Guys Reserve, with construction expected to begin in March.
The Government is providing 51% from the National Land Transport Fund, with the remaining 49% from council.
This month, Botany-bound traffic on Tī Rākau Drive will temporarily move onto the new busway lanes to allow space for the next section of construction. Two lanes will remain open in each direction for vehicles.
The Botany section of the proposed Eastern Busway project. Photo / Auckland Council
“Connecting Botany to Pakuranga and Panmure, with largely separated busways, means travel from Botany to Auckland’s city centre will take a reliable 40 minutes by bus and train,” said Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
“By 2028 the Eastern Busway is forecasted to carry 18,000 passengers per day, with 24,000 passengers per day by 2048.
“Alongside the City Rail Link, which opens this year, these projects will reshape the way people get around Auckland. The already-open Panmure to Pakuranga busway is proof of how rapid transit can give people better access to jobs and opportunities across the city.”
The Eastern Busway project overall includes 7km of busway, including five new stations, and 12km of dedicated walking and cycleways.
“Completing the full busway through to Botany Town Centre is a key milestone. It will integrate with the future Airport to Botany Busway and improve public transport options for people living and working in East Auckland,” said Auckland Minister Simeon Brown.
After the Government came to power, there was some concern within the council over funding the project.
The Government abolished the Regional Fuel Tax - removing a revenue stream for council - and expected unspent funds from it to be allocated to the Eastern Busway and other projects. But Councillor Julie Fairey said the Government should fully fund it and not tell the council what to prioritise in its city.
