From 5 July 2021 Downtown Ferry Terminal new piers will be opening for business.   As part of this there will be some changes from where ferry services operate.  AT has also  renumbered the piers - there are now 14 piers.

Please click on the link below to see a map of the new numbers for all the piers and alterations to some time tables.

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For updates on the Downtown transformation click here 

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On Saturday 3rd July all bus, train and most ferry services will be completely fare-free* all day.  Bring your friends and whānau for a day out and see the big changes being made in the city centre.  Matariki on the Waterfront being held in Silo Park on 3rd & 4th where the waterfront will come alive with a range of Matariki activities, live entertainment, kai, and more. 

Click here to check out more events happening on the weekend.

*Excludes Waiheke and Devonport ferry services, and Skybus services. Customers will need to use their AT HOP card.

*Face coverings are required on all PT service.

The Clean Car Discount comes into effect on 1 July 2021 until 31 December 2021 providing rebates (subject to funding) for eligible new and used light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) after they are registered in New Zealand for the first time.  From 1 January 2022 the Clean Car Discount will be based on the CO2 emissions of vehicles. Those with zero or low emissions would qualify for a rebate and those with high emissions would incur a fee.

The proposed Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount schemes are part of a suite of measures Cabinet has approved to help address climate change.

The Government has confirmed plans for a brand-new cycling and walking bridge across the Waitematā Harbour - at an estimated cost of $685 million.  Transport Minister Michael Wood announced the project, which features a new standalone structure right next to the existing Harbour Bridge, on its east (city) side. The new bridge will not carry buses or other vehicles.  The project is now approved and funded - and is expected to take five years to consent and build.  The new bridge is to become part of the Northern Pathway, which will extend dedicated cycling and walking routes to the North Shore.  Read the full article by NZ Herald below.

This Panuku update focusses on the improvement works taking place in the Eastern Viaduct area.  This includes Quay Street, Te Wero Island, and the Te Wero Bridge. The Wynyard Crossing Bridge will undergo repair and maintenance works from 8 - 11 June 2021.  These works involve the hydraulic motors being replaced with electric motors.  Access over the bridge will be narrowed to allow for the motor replacement. Anyone travelling across the bridge on wheels is advised to dismount so that everyone can use the bridge safely.

Panuku ecognise the inconvenience these works can cause and are committed to delivering the repair and maintenance works as efficiently as possible. Click below to read the full update.

Greater Auckland likens the changes needed in transport to the changes we have seen in smoking over the last few decades.  The Ministry of Transport have issued a "green paper".  This outlines some pathways to reducing transport related emissions.  The article looks back on what our cities used to look like - including a network of trams - which were removed in favour of the private car.  Is it time to flip back and give priority to public transport and active modes?   The article looks back at how smoking has changed - bans on advertising, no smoking in bars - all of which was criticized by some.  

Is it time for the same thing to happen to transport? 

AT has introduced a cap on daily fares.  This means you will be able to travel all day on trains, buses and inner harbour ferries with an AT HOP card, and never pay more than $20.

The new ferry terminal pat of the Downtown project, will be open in July.  Millwater bus frequencies have been enhanced. Services will now run every 20 minutes.

City rail link works will mean changes to bus services - check out all the details in the link below.   

This BBC article looks at ways of doing things differently if countries are going to reduce transport related green house gases.  How can we reduce the journeys we make or do we just all swap to EVs and carry on as usual? 10 years ago in the UK 70% of children walked to school - now less that 50% do.  Is that where we need to start? Electric bikes give us the freedom to travel further and electric buses carry more for way less emissions.  Do we need to sit and wait for others to do something or should we all be having our own divorce from the family car.  

Read the full article by Jocelyn Timperley below.  

Image BEIS Conversion factors 2019/Javier Hirschfeld

The Govt is asking for feedback on a range of potential policies to reduce emissions in the transport sector.  The "Pathways to Net Zero by 2050" report outlines potential policies and pathways to achieving net zero emissions.  The transport sector currently produces 47% of NZs CO2.  

Read the Greater Auckland article here 

Read the full Ministry of Transport report by clicking the link below.  Feedback is open until 25 June 2021. 

The Brigham and Hamer Street loop has just reopened now that the tanks have all been removed from Wynyard Point. 

The roads had been closed to the public during the America's Cup build up.  Stolthaven cleared the last of the tanks from their site over the last weeks.  There is still more work to do in preparation for the creation of the public open space and mixed commercial /residential use of the area.

The tanks were heavily used and were a landmark for the area.  Click on the link below to read more 

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There is still time for you have your say say on the possible introduction of congestion charging in Auckland.  Some city centre spots have recorded very poor air quality so will reducing traffic congestion help us all breath more easily?  What will it mean for your commute into the city? How will it affect freight or those on low incomes?  Take a look at the plans and have your say by 20th May.  

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If you want to plan ahead check out this interactive map of all the current roadworks taking place around the City.  Zoom in to a particular area then click, to find out details of what is happening and when the works will start and finish.  This map has been produced by Auckland Transport and is updated regularly.  

Click on the link below to see the map.  

With growing uncertainty as to the future of the Skypath, Bike Auckland is calling for a lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to be converted for cycling, for a three-month trial period over summer.  They will be holding a rally on Sunday 30th May to galvanize support. NZ Herald takes a look at the arguments and concludes that a bike lane on the bridge could help reduce emissions.  The bike lane could also help encourage walking and cycling rather than driving from the North Shore. What do you think?  Read the full article below.

Image from Bike Auckland

Getting people out of their cars and using public transport and/or active modes for more trips, is at the core of various plans and strategies to address climate change, reduce the impacts of congestion and generally improve liveability of the city. Mode-shift is needed, not just to help improve the lives of existing 1.7 million Aucklanders but it becomes even more critical as the city grows.  Greater Auckland takes a look at the issues around making public transport free. Take a look at what other cites such as Luxembourg, Olympia Washington, and Tallinn have done.  Would it work for Auckland? 

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The Downtown car park is to be put up for sale.  The site is 6,400m2 and is now up for redevelopment.  There are plans for a bus interchange as well as keeping some of the parking.  

Greater Auckland takes a look and what is being proposed - click here to read their first article.  

Heidi O'Callahan now takes a more in-depth look at the proposals and puts them in context with the City Centre Masterplan, the Auckland Climate Plan and Auckland Transport’s own mode shift plan, Better Travel Choices.

Click below to read her thoughts.  

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Auckland Transport is asking for feedback on the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021 to 2031 (RLTP).   Submissions close 2 May.  The RLTP outlines the areas that Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail will focus on to respond to the region’s transport challenges. It will make significant improvements to: 

• Travel choices for Aucklanders

  • Public transport

  • Walking and cycling

• Our road network

• Road safety

• Environmental outcomes

• Support growth and new housing developments

Click below to read the full report and watch a video.

Auckland Transport (AT) unveiled New Zealand’s first hydrogen fuel cell bus, as AT transitions to an emissions-free fleet.  The bus was unveiled by the Minister of Transport Michael Wood and Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff at Ports of Auckland – where the bus will be refuelled with green hydrogen.  The three-axle bus, which is AT’s biggest single deck bus, will be used to trial operational performance and see how operating costs compare to diesel and electric buses of similar configurations. It fits 43 seated adults and 31 standing adults.  The bus was built in Christchurch and will be operated for an initial two-year trial.  

Read more from AT in the link below

Aucklanders can have their say on whether motorists should pay congestion charges to use certain roads at certain times.  In an attempt to ease traffic woes,  Central Government, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council officials are considering the idea of introducing the road charges.  This was mooted in 2017, in a project dubbed The Congestion Question. Parliament’s Transport & Infrastructure Committee has called for submissions on The Congestion Question report as part of its inquiry.  Users would pay up to $3.50 at morning and evening peak times. Read the full Stuff article below. 

Click here to see how you can have your say read and read more documents.  Closing date is 20 May 2021.  

The highly anticipated Race 1 will start on Wednesday March 10th at 4pm under Alert Level 2. The information in the bulletin below is to help you plan for the transport changes that will come into effect from 10th to 21st  March 2021.  You  can  also  check  for  public  transport  updates  and  traffic management details on the AT website   www.at.govt.nz/americascup  As Auckland is at Alert Level 2 check restrictions for this event.  During the 36th America’s Cup Match days AT will closely monitor pedestrian safety and traffic network operation and take a responsive approach.   Particularly should  Auckland’s  alert  levels change, and more people are allowed to gather under level 1.  Click below for full details.  

In this newsletter find out more about the Walk to Work Day planned for Wednesday 10th March.  This is the same day as the start of AC36 racing so it could be a good option, for anyone wanting to ditch the car.  There is a wrap up of the Bike Challenge and details of the ongoing enhancements to the City Centre.  

Click below to read the full bulletin.    

The launch date for the new passenger rail service between Waikato and Auckland – has been confirmed as Tuesday, 6 April 2021.  There will be two return services on weekdays to get commuters to Papakura in time for the start of the workday. Departure from Frankton will be at 5.46am and 6.28am, stopping at Rotokauri and Huntly. The return service will depart from Papakura at 4.42pm and 6.25pm. Once in Auckland commuters will transfer to the AT Metro Southern Line and continue on to Auckland’s city centre. The estimated the total journey from Hamilton to Britomart will take 2 hours 30.  With free wifi and a cafe bar this sounds like a great option.  

Auckland's Harbour Bridge can't take any more strengthening and traffic will need to be restricted in order to maintain its "structural integrity".  NZTA, Waka Kotahi says the bridge has previously been strengthened several times but it is not possible to do it again due to the weight of the steel that would need to be added.  Instead, NZTA are proposing to introduce "active traffic management". NZTA commented “Our programme of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, upgrades and load management means the bridge is able to operate indefinitely as a key strategic asset in the Auckland network.”  Any limitations are likely to be around heavy vehicles.  

Read NZ Herald article here or the NZTA press release here or observations from Greater Auckland in the link below.  

The Government announced that Auckland has moved back to Alert Level 3 for seven days from 6am on Sunday 28 February.  Public transport will continue to operate under strict health and safety requirements. Timetables will remain close to normal at this stage. There may be some adjustments to accommodate demand or to meet workforce limitations.

• Trains will run to a weekend timetable with some additional services in the mornings

• There will be some reduced ferry sailings due to reduced demand

• You must wear a face covering

• You can board a bus using the front door

• Remember to maintain 1 metre physical distancing

• Scan the Ministry of Health’s COVID Tracer app QR code

Please click below to see all details.  Stay safe and be kind.  

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Auckland Council have produced a Long Term Plan for 2021 - 2031 along with a draft recovery budget.  Auckland Council need to balance rising investment demand with reduced investment capacity.  Key issues include the rapid growth of Auckland city, changing community needs, transport demands, ageing assets and the need to respond to climate change.  Covid 19 has had a negative impact on residents, businesses and Auckland Councils income.  Read the full document here. or a snapshot of the key issues here.

The consultation closes at 12noon on 22 March 2021.

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The Government has announced that Auckland will move back to Level 2 at midnight on Wednesday 17 February.  

Public transport will continue to operate with strict health and safety requirements in place. Per government advice, you must wear a face covering if you are over 12 years old and you should scan in using the QR code posters.  HOP card only no cash.   Read full details from AT below.  

For general information on what is and isn't allowed during level 2 click here.  

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The Government announced that Auckland has moved back to Alert Level 3 for three days.  This means staying at home when possible and in your bubble, as per the Government advice.  You must maintain physical distancing outside of your home and you are encouraged to wear a face covering.

Public transport will continue to operate with strict health and safety requirements in place. Per government advice, you must maintain 1 metre physical distancing and should scan in and wear a face covering.  Read full details below.  

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Image from newsroom

This update from Auckland Transport looks at the changes in public transport fares including the discounted off peak fares.  The new AirportLink bus (brand new and all electric)  is featured along with some new bus and ferry options for customers.  There are also details on the Bike Challenge, rail track repair programme and student discounts.    

Click below to read in full.  

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Heart of the City takes a closer look at the Prada Cup racing.  Including the key dates, where to be seen, the best local refreshment stops and much more. 

The Prada Cup final is scheduled to take place 13th to 22nd February.  With INEOS TEAM UK and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team will battling it out on the Hauraki Gulf. Don't miss out on the action. 

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Photo credit COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi 

Read the newsletter to find out more about the Aotearoa Bike Challenge.  This is a great opportunity to dust off the bike and get out on the road.  Some great prizes are up for grabs along with lots of other information.  Off peak travel has just got cheaper.  There is now a 10% discount if you travel between 9am and3pm on public transport.  Click below to read the full newsletter.  

Heart of the City's' latest newsletter has all the information  on what's happening in Auckland this long weekend.  Plenty do do on and off the water.  There are also details of the upcoming Arts Festival, the February Bike Challenge and lots more.  

The Government has announced several measures aimed at lowering emissions of the transport fleet to help New Zealand meet the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.  

Importers of new and used vehicles will be required to import more climate-friendly cars to reduce overall emissions - and will face penalties if they don't. NZ Herald takes a closer look at the new rules.  

Article from NZ Herald.  

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From this Sunday 24 January, Auckland Transport are making changes to some bus and ferry services.  Some of these changes have been planned for some time, while others are the result of reviewing services to make the best use of rates and taxes.  There will be extra trips on some existing routes and some brand new bus services. A small number of services are being removed.  Click here to see if your journey is affected.  

Fares on Auckland’s public transport are set to rise by 4%.  A new off-peak discount of 10% will be in place from 7th Feb on all fares after 9am and before 3pm, and and at night weekdays and all weekends.  Auckland Transport said about half of all passengers would pay an average 35 cents more for each trip using the AT HOP card from February 7.

The changes will boost AT’s revenue by an estimated $4.3 million.

Read the Stuff article here or the Greater Auckland thoughts in the link below.

Thurs 28 January 11am – 2pm, VXV Plaza (outside AT offices)

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is just around the corner. Time to dust off the bike, or consider buying a new one. Pop on over and check out the assortment of bikes and bike gear for sale, and have a chat with Auckland Transport to get information and advice about the best bike routes  and meet new buddies. You can also book in a guided city centre e-bike tour with your work colleagues to freshen up your bike skills! Already have a bike? With a mechanic on site, you can make sure your bike is in tip-top shape in time for February’s Aotearoa Bike Challenge!

After the lockdown cycling boom of the last year, we’re ready to build on the momentum to get Aucklanders on their bike this February. Simply ride for 10 minutes anywhere, anytime during the month of February. All month long, register with your business (or as an individual or community group) and be in to win some of the $18,000 worth of prizes along with tons of bragging rights in the leaderboard. Competition is fierce, so get as many of your friends, family members and colleagues involved as you can, and rack up your encourager points.  There is a specific competition between businesses in Wynyard Quarter, so check out the leaderboard to see who’s in the lead!

Get ready for the racing!  This update from WQ TMA has all the information you need in one place.  There are details on the bus and ferry changes.  Information on the parking and access restrictions.   Details about the Race Village and links to the AT journey planner to help you plan the best way to be part of all the action.  

Plan ahead and enjoy the racing! 

Check out the cool new spaces in and around Wynyard Quarter.  The luscious new grass on Daldy Street Park looks good enough to sleep on.  The addition of a new space and shaded area at Silo Park are definitely worth checking out.  Click below to read all the details and see the photos.

Article from HOTC

Auckland Transport are offering free travel Friday December 19th from 4pm on most AT Metro services to provide a safe alternative to driving home. There will also offering free travel all day on Saturday 19th December, so Aucklanders can ditch the car and use buses, trains or ferries instead for Christmas shopping, checking out the America's Cup or other family outings.

Some exclusions apply see below for full details.  

A congestion charge to drive through Auckland's central city at peak hours is one option being considered to handle the city's traffic problems. According to the report, the peak period charge could be $3.50 with a lower charge of $1.50 at other times. This would apply Monday to Friday but not at weekends.  The report from July 2020 has been completed by a joint government and Auckland City group called The Congestion Question, set up to see if congestion pricing would work in Auckland. To read the full report click here  To read what Greater Auckland have to say click here or to read the article by Stuff click below.  

Photo Ricky Wilson / Stuff

Information for businesses

The first event for the 36th America's Cup starts in just three weeks time, running from 17 - 20 December. 

Below you will find key dates and access details including road closures and parking restrictions for the December race days. Please share this with anyone who may find it useful.

Plan ahead and enjoy the racing.

The next Wynyard Quarter Neighbours Forum will take place on Monday 7th December starting at 7am. Join to hear the latest updates on local developments, news and events across the Waterfront.  Speakers include 

- Fiona Knox, Waterfront Priority Location Director, Panuku
- Martin Paget and Carmen White, America’s Cup Events Ltd
- Barry Potter, Director Infrastructure and Environmental Service, Auckland Council

Auckland Conversations will meet on 8th December to discuss this.  How will climate change be addressed? Urgent, radical changes to how and what we do are needed. Changes have the potential to not only address our climate challenges, but have wider positive effects, such as reducing the health impacts of transport, restoring and regenerating our urban and rural natural environments.  To find out who is speaking and how to register click the link below.  This event is free.  

The Government has announced that from Thursday 19 November you must wear a face covering whilst on-board public transport in Auckland.  This means that everyone over the age of 12 must wear a face covering while on public transport, this includes buses, trains and ferries.  AT recommend you scan the QR codes which are on-board using the NZ COVID Tracer app.  Full media release can be seen below.

As part of the Auckland Climate Plan, Auckland Transport  and others are exploring how to change our transport system to achieve the necessary drop in emissions by 2030.

Do we need to change our cars or our driving habits?  Do we need to improve public transport or introduce road pricing? How are AT hoping to reduce emissions?  This Greater Auckland article takes a look at Auckland as well as looking at what other cities are planning to do.  

A recent report by the Helen Clark Foundation looks at the concept of low traffic neighbourhoods.  The report suggests that these areas would help with emission reductions, improve road safety, reduce accidents and deaths and improve people's sense of belonging.  This week is Road Safety week in NZ so perhaps it is time to look at solutions that will keep everyone safe and happy.  Read the full report below.  Read article by Stuff here or NZ Herald article here.

Image credit:Patrick Morgan 

155 Fanshawe Street has opened. The seven level, 6* green rated building is now home to Genesis Energy, Kiwibank, Regus, Southern Cross and Trademe.  This state of the art building has EV charging points, over 100 bike parks,  plenty of changing facilities and showers.  Kiwibank has created New Zealands first commercial building signs made from over 10,000 recycled single use plastic bottles. Read an article about the sign and the 6* green rating in the link below.

NZTA, AT and Auckland Council will be looking at an additional rail-based rapid transit connection across the Waitematā Harbour.  NZTA also announced they will also be looking at ongoing busway enhancements, wider rapid transit networks on the North Shore, along with future proofing and route protection. Greater Auckland has some interesting comments and the full article from NZTA can be found in the link below.  

As part of the Walk Challenge a free walking tour of the Wynyard Quarter is taking place this Wednesday 4th November.   On Thursday 12th November at 630pm there will be a free Silent Disco at Silo Park. 

There are other events taking place around Auckland click here to take a look and scroll down to the event calendar to register.

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Auckland Transport has just launched Auckland's first extra large electric bus. The fully electric bus can carry 78 passengers and is being trialed on longer distance routes.  This will enable testing of power demand and cost.  The bus is currently being used on the 70 service from Botany to the CBD.  New electric buses will be launched for Waiheke Island shortly. and will be on the Airport Link route from January 2021  These are all positive steps to reducing carbon emissions.  

WQ TMA elections are coming up and TMA members are invited to join the Board.  This year 11 seats are available.  A few FAQ's on being a Board members can be found here along with a nomination form.  Closing date for nominations is 5pm Tuesday17th November.  

The AGM will be held on Thursday 26th November starting at 1pm -  full details here.  

Our Annual Review covers activities from June 2019 to June 2020 as well as looking ahead to 2021-read it now here.  

The Auckland freight plan has just been released by Auckland Transport.  It identifies the critical challenges for freight movement, desired outcomes, and an action plan to achieve those outcomes.  A full copy of the plan can be found here

Greater Auckland takes a closer look including at what other cities are doing.  Are there lessons for Auckland?  Click link below to read the GA article.

Image DHL Express UK

Big Street Bikers have been awarded the Auckland Transport Innovative Thinker Award for the Rechargery in Wynyard Quarter.  Big Street Bikers created the Rechargery to help educate and encourage people to give e-biking a go.  The building itself is solar powered.  

The latest Big Street Bikers newsletter shares details of new locations for their secure bike parking stations and an update on successful ECCA funding bids.  

The ASB Auckland Marathon will be held on Sunday 1 November 2020. This brings with it much excitement and a great atmosphere with more than 15,000 participants.  To accommodate this fantastic annual event, Auckland Transport will close some roads in Wynyard Quarter. Please click below to read information on road closures, parking restrictions and the contingency plan.  

Mike O'Donnell takes a look at electric motorbikes and electric cars and he asks when will they been given priority?  With 650 charging spots in New Zealand what are we waiting for? Last month, according to figures, BEVs accounted for 16% of all new car sales in New Zealand.  So what is the key to getting more EVs on the roads.  Read Mike's article below.

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Photo MARC PFITZENREUTER/GETTY

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November sees the start of the Auckland Walk Challenge. 

This year you're invited to virtually take on nine of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Simply download the BetterPoints app, register your details and you'll be set to go.  During November, you can record your walks, earn rewards for your activity and virtually walk through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes and scenery.  Invite your friends, put your walking shoes on and share your progress. It's time to step up and get active.

Two live business webinars will give Auckland’s small business owners an opportunity to learn how to build resilience within their businesses during disruptive events like COVID-19.  Organised by Auckland Emergency Management, the business resilience webinars will be held on Thursday 15 October at 6pm and on Monday 19 October at 10am.  It is hoped that the webinars will encourage participants to ask questions and share their experiences and ideas.

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AT Metro's latest newsletter gives updates on the Downtown 

Ferry terminal, details of the November Walking Challenge, plus information about the new 64 bus service.  The AT Mobile app has a neat journey planner which now includes walking and cycling.  Check it out today.  Read all the details below.

Greater Auckland takes a closer look at options for ferry travel.  One idea was having the Hobsonville and West Harbour ferries make a slight diversions to stop at Birkenhead, and Northcote Point once it is open again, on their way to town. Effectively one route with two branches.

To read more click on the link below.

Auckland Transport have been working on a range of Biketober challenges to get families having fun by bike during the month-long festival of Biketober (Bike + October = Biketober). Challenges are for all ages and can be done with family at home or out and about. Challenges can be done via the GooseChase App and  the game runs from 1- 31 October 

Biketober starts soon so check out the activities taking place near you.   Check out the new Goose Chase app and join in the fun.  There is an update on the Skypath  as well as some guided walks you might want to take part in.  See below for full details.  Take a look at the Bike Auckland website for all things bike related.  

Auckland Transport and NZTA are asking for feedback on proposals to significantly improve public transport connections to and from Auckland’s northwest.  The plan involves upgrading and extending the existing bus shoulder lanes along the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) and building interim bus stops at Westgate and the Lincoln Road and Te Atatū motorway interchanges.  This would enable a northwestern express bus service to use the motorway and connect with local feeder services operating to each station. The bus network would be reviewed.  Consultation closes 25th October.  Read Greater Auckland article below.  

With the recent incident and work being undertaken by NZTA to repair the Harbour Bridge, it is recommend that you consider different travel options where possible.  You might want to consider travelling on public transport during off-peak hours, which will also allow you to take advantage of our 30% off-peak fares.