Southern residents are being urged to take part in the Regional Land Transport Plan consultation open until 2 May.
It sets out transport funding and priorities for the next decade and Franklin Local Board chair Andy Baker says it’s vital local voices are heard.
“Residents have told us what’s important to them. As a board we’ll continue to advocate for those things, but it’s vital they’re communicated directly to Auckland Transport.”
Several transport issues were raised during Franklin and Papakura local board plan consultations, residents calling for better services and connections, and for park and ride facilities at Papakura, Pukekohe and Drury’s new train stations.
Papakura board chair Brent Catchpole says locals supported a bus service to Clevedon and beyond.
“Connectivity is essential to link communities and places such as the Pine Harbour ferry, and for Clevedon people to be able to catch a train from Papakura.
“We’ll be advocating for better pathways, alternative transport to reduce the demand for station parking and initiatives to encourage more use of public transport to reduce carbon.
“At a local level, residents want Takanini rail and road crossings separated, wider subdivision roads, and more safety measures for footpaths and intersections.”
Franklin residents called for better buses for Clarks Beach/Waiau Pa, Bombay, Drury and its stations, and between Beachlands and Pine Harbour to better ferry connections.
Both areas are urban and rural, and called for more road renewal money, especially around Whitford-Maraetai Rd, Papakura-Clevedon Rd, Alfriston-Brookby Rd, Glenbrook Rd, Hunua Rd and Hingaia-Linwood Road.
“We have a lot of heavy trucks, so higher quality and resilience would be sensible,” Mr Baker says.
“Transport is a major concern for our people, who want board transport funding of $21 million a year reinstated, and more flexibility around paths and cycleways so that gravel paths and grass berms could be used.”
More information here, register for 7.30pm-8pm 6 April webinar here, and 8pm-8.30pm 14 April here.
Drop-in sessions at Clevedon District Centre, 2.30pm-4pm 9 April, Pukekohe Markets, 9am-11am 24 April, Manukau Library, 11am-2pm Friday 9 April, Botany Night Markets, 5pm-7pm 21 April. Other events here.
AT hearing 28-30 April at 20 Viaduct Harbour Avenue. To present in person or online, email ATengagement@AT.govt.nz or 09 355 3553 to book.
