A public transport hub expected to carry around 30,000 passengers a month will begin construction in Hamilton in September 2019.
Rotokauri, a semi-rural suburb in western Hamilton, will be the home of a combined bus and rail public transport facility, including a pedestrian link across the rail line to The Base mall.
The hub is expected to be completed for a mid-2020 launch, the hub will service more than 170 bus movements per weekday, along with two morning peak rail services to Auckland and two returning evening services.
Hamilton City Council’s Growth and Infrastructure Committee on August 27 approved delegated authority for the chief executive to award the contract as soon as possible, after tenders have been received.
Committee chair Dave Macpherson says this decision follows transport minister Phil Twyford’s announcing part of NZ Transport Agency’s $79.8million construction and operation funding will go toward the rail service.
“Hamilton City Council has championed this passenger rail project for a long time, and I want to thank minister Twyford and the government for their vision and support and for having the confidence to invest in Hamilton and the Waikato,” Macpherson says.
The total project will cost $29million to develop the hub – this includes land costs, design work and additional roading. The government through NZTA subsidies will contribute $18.5m of the cost.
“The ratio of government funding support for this project is higher than usual, and shows the importance of effective, reliable and sustainable public transport for New Zealand’s fast-growing city,” Macpherson adds.
The service will begin in Frankton, Hamilton, stopping at Rotokauri’s new hub near The Base before travelling to Huntly, and finally stopping in Papakura in Auckland. Passengers can change onto the Auckland rail metro or connecting bus services.
