Faster, safer and more reliable public transport for east Aucklanders is a step closer today.
Designation has been approved for the next stage of AMETI Eastern Busway between Panmure and Pakuranga, which means the land required for the project has the approvals to proceed.
The announcement comes after more than three years of detailed public consultation and a Notice of Requirement process that culminated in a hearing late last year.
Mayor Phil Goff says, "AMETI Eastern Busway will bring high-frequency public transport to the fast-growing region of east Auckland along with significantly improved facilities for motorists and safer, faster connections for cyclists.
"New dedicated busways and cycleways will vastly improve travel times in the area, unlocking housing development opportunities in Panmure and beyond, and giving the local economy a serious boost.
"AMETI is a priority project that will better connect one of Auckland's fastest growing areas with our transport network in which we are investing $28 billion over the coming 10 years," says Mayor Goff.
In June, Auckland Council approved the resource consent and recommended approval of the Notice of Requirement for the Panmure to Pakuranga stage of the project.
The future of transport for east Auckland
The Panmure to Pakuranga stage of the $1.4 billion AMETI Eastern Busway project will begin later this year and involves construction of a dedicated, congestion-free busway along Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road with new cycling and walking connections, improvements to major intersections, urban design and landscaping enhancements, a new bridge across Tamaki River and the creation of a new memorial park and improved public spaces.
Duncan Humphrey, AT Programme Director for AMETI Eastern Busway says, "This announcement gives certainty about what the future of transport looks like for East Auckland. This means that the residents, property owners, business owners and community organisations know what will be happening in their area and they can plan for their futures with certainty about the transport options they will have."
The project is separated into various stages, including Panmure to Pakuranga, Pakuranga to Botany, Pakuranga Town Centre and Reeves Road Flyover and a new interchange at Botany Town Centre.
Construction work on the next stage between Panmure and Pakuranga will start later this year.
Public consultation is currently underway for the Pakuranga to Botany stage. This stage includes the continuation of the busway along the centre of Ti Rakau Drive, development of a flyover to provide better travel options for motorists between Pakuranga Road and Pakuranga Highway, cycling and walking networks, a new station in Pakuranga Town Centre and a future interchange near Botany Town Centre.
AMETI Eastern busway will be completed by 2026.
For more information on AMETI Eastern Busway go to at.govt.nz/ameti
