New Zealand / Transport

Auckland Transport back-track on bus-only lanes welcomed by local businesses

16:51 pm on 28 May 2024

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Auckland Transport is back-tracking on Karangahape Road's bus-only lanes, opening them up to all traffic on weekends and weekday mornings.

The agency put in the two bus-only lanes, alongside two traffic lanes, in November last year.

In their open business report for this month, the agency said it recognises the weekend is an important time for businesses.

Jamey Holloway from the Karangahape Road Business Association said it had long opposed full-time bus lanes and had extensively consulted with Auckland Transport (AT) on the issue.

"We're really happy that they've had a bit of a re-think and had a chance to look at how the bus lanes are working and when they're needed, and when they're not. We will welcome the changes."

Holloway said having more access to drop off and pick up goods during weekends and mornings will help productivity flow on Karangahape Road.

"It's just gonna make a whole lot more, park and pop in, loading and servicing, function a lot better."

"Auckland needs to have public transport that functions well - busses are a huge part of that. We need a mix."

The lanes will no longer be bus-only on weekends and will only operate in the evenings between 3pm and 7pm on weekdays.

One lane will operate on weekday mornings between 7am and 10am.

AT infrastructure and fleet specification manager Edward Wright said they have met several times with local businesses and the Karangahape Business Association since November.

"While the bus lanes on Karangahape Road are effective and there is a need for them on weekends, we have listened to the local businesses and heard their concerns," he said.

"Additionally, we are working to reduce the conflict with the bus lanes and cars turning left into Howe Street."

Wright said the bus lane operating hours will be reviewed again before City Rail Link opens.