Hi East Auckland, we’re talking to you
To announce the big transport changes coming soon, we wanted to speak directly to the community itself. That’s why we’ve written personal notes to some of our favourite people, businesses and organisations in the area about the developments and how East Aucklanders will benefit from them.
We’re adding 7km of new bus routes, 12 km of safe and separate cycle routes and walkways, starting to run buses every 4 minutes during peak hours, adding better city access than before, and changing to a fleet of electric buses. All of this is with the aim of improving safety in the community and better connectivity by 2027.
With these new and efficient ways to get around and explore Tāmaki Makaurau coming by 2027, we’re bubbling with excitement to spread the word. When the Eastern Busway is finished, there will be 7km of free flowing busway from Panmure Train Station towards Botany.
This turn up and go rapid transport service along with 12km of safe separated walking and cycling routes will make it easier to get to work, schools, all the shops, and across the wider Auckland Region.
Excited to hear more? We’re excited to tell you.
The next stage from Pakūranga to Botany is being designed and constructed now.
Starting at Pakūranga Town Centre, we're building a new bus station beside the shopping plaza. Buses heading south will continue beneath Rā Hihi (flyover), which separates traffic to reduce congestion around the town centre and improve travel times for buses, freight and vehicles. From here, buses will continue travelling via their own separated bus lanes to beyond Burswood, and will rejoin traffic lanes to Botany until funding is available for that final section of the busway and Botany Station to be built.
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| Above: Artist impression of the completed Pakūranga station with Rā Hihi above Reeves Road and across Tī Rākau Drive |
How are we pulling it off? Well, this plan involves widening parts of Tī Rākau Drive to make space for stations and the busway. The new station designs include parking for scooters and bikes too. We’re also working together with mana whenua to restore and enhance the landscape with more trees, plants and rain gardens.
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| Above: Artist impression of Tī Rākau Drive, with the new Te Taha Wai station (near Edgewater) |
From Tī Rākau Bridge, the busway will run behind the commercial buildings near Burswood to a new station, serving the local community. It will rejoin Tī Rākau Drive towards Guys Reserve and the improved Botany Station when funding is available to deliver that final stage.
Much more than just a rapid transport project, the Eastern Busway route creates opportunities for investment and urban development. It will help protect our environment by providing climate friendly options for getting around.
