The final stretch of Auckland’s $1.4 billion Eastern Busway will now be built after $101 million in funding was confirmed for the Botany link route.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council have approved funding to construct the remaining section from Tī Rākau Drive through Guys Reserve to Botany Town Centre, allowing buses to run on a fully separated corridor.
The final section was previously unfunded, with an interim plan for buses to run in general traffic near Botany Town Centre. Programme savings and additional funding have now enabled the dedicated busway to be completed.
“The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council have confirmed $101 million in funding to build the Botany link route at Guys Reserve, meaning more efficient transport choices are on the way for Aucklanders living in Botany,” Bishop says.
“This is the final piece of the $1.4 billion Eastern Busway project. It’s a key part of Auckland’s rapid transit network, connecting East Auckland to the wider region and providing faster, more reliable journeys.
“Connecting Botany to Pakuranga and Panmure, with largely separated busways, means travel from Botany to Auckland’s city centre will take a reliable 40 minutes by bus and train.
“By 2028 the Eastern Busway is forecasted to carry 18,000 passengers per day, with 24,000 passengers per day by 2048.
“Alongside the City Rail Link, which opens this year, these projects will reshape the way people get around Auckland. The already-open Panmure to Pakuranga busway is proof of how rapid transit can give people better access to jobs and opportunities across the city.”
Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says the project will be delivered in full despite earlier concerns about funding.
“The Eastern Busway is a major joint investment by the Government and Auckland Council, delivering 7km of dedicated busway, five new bus stations, and the Reeves Road Flyover,” Brown says.
“Completing the full busway through to Botany Town Centre is a key milestone. It will integrate with the future Airport to Botany Busway and improve public transport options for people living and working in East Auckland.
“Some claimed that removing Labour’s Regional Fuel Tax in Auckland would stop this project. We axed the tax, Aucklanders are saving money every time they fill up, and the Eastern Busway is being delivered in full.
“Construction on the final section will begin in March, with work continuing at pace along Tī Rākau Drive to deliver the rest of the corridor.
“I look forward to getting out on site in the coming months with Minister Bishop and Mayor Brown to mark the start of construction and see this important project moving forward for Auckland.”
Auckland Council transport and infrastructure delivery committee chair Andy Baker says the project represents one of the council’s largest investments outside the City Rail Link.
“The council has made a significant contribution to the overall Eastern Busway project … so it’s good to see progress is being made to complete this route,” Baker says.
Howick councillor Maurice Williamson says the project will give East Aucklanders improved travel choices.
“This will give Aucklanders more choices to either drive or catch rapid, reliable buses that they’ve never had access to in the past, making it easier to get to work, school and see family and friends,” Williamson says.
Auckland Transport’s Eastern Busway programme director Andy Huang says strong planning and delivery have helped bring the final section forward.
“People in Botany will be connected to Pakūranga and Panmure by buses that don’t get stuck in traffic. Botany to Auckland’s city centre will take a reliable 40 minutes by bus and train.
“The Eastern Busway is a key part of Auckland’s rapid transit network connecting East Auckland to the wider region, providing quicker and more reliable journeys.
“It’s part of a plan to give all Aucklanders more travel choices to make their everyday lives better, including easier access to jobs, education, essential services, recreation, whānau and friends.”
Construction will also include upgrades to the stormwater pond in Guys Reserve and a 600-metre walking and cycling path for the Huntington Park community.
The Eastern Busway, delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs in partnership with mana whenua, includes 7km of busway, five new stations and 12km of walking and cycling paths. It is scheduled to open in 2027.
