The route for a major new busway linking south and east Auckland has been formally protected, marking a key step toward delivering rapid transit between Auckland Airport, Manukau and Botany.
Auckland Transport and New Zealand Transport Agency have confirmed designations for 15km of the proposed 18km corridor, following the resolution of all appeals. The remaining 3km sits within the Auckland Airportprecinct.
Route protection safeguards land needed for future transport infrastructure, allowing projects to be delivered more efficiently and at lower cost when construction begins.
Auckland Transport programme director Andy Huang says the milestone clears the way for the next phase.
“Airport to Botany is ready to be Auckland’s next busway. The hard planning work to decide the best route, identify the properties required and get a designation in place is complete,” Huang says.
“Confirming route protection is a major milestone towards delivering bus rapid transit between the Airport, Manukau city centre and Botany that supports Auckland’s growth and provides reliable travel options. There would be a reliable 34 to 38-minute journey between Botany and the airport on buses separated from other traffic.”
The project will be delivered in stages, with Puhinui Station already open and interim upgrades planned to extend Airport Link bus services to Botany ahead of the full busway.
Huang says the development will improve connectivity across the city’s growing southern and eastern suburbs.
“The Airport to Botany busway delivers on that vision, connecting the rapid transit network by linking to the Eastern Busway at Botany and the rail network at Puhinui. It will link key residential and employment hubs in south and east Auckland with a dedicated corridor for rapid transit, while also supporting walking and cycling.”
NZTA rapid transit system design director Emma Fisk says the project is critical to supporting growth.
“Rapid transit is the spine of our public transport system and is critical to support urban growth and access to employment centres. The Airport to Botany busway will ensure people and freight can get where they need to go quickly, safely and efficiently.”
Auckland Airport chief strategic planning officer Mary-Liz Tuck says the project will improve access to the airport as demand increases.
“Right now, most travellers and airport workers, around 40,000 people a day, rely on private vehicles to reach the airport. But as the city grows to nearly 2.5 million by 2048, having reliable, safe and efficient public transport links will be essential.
“Projects like Airport to Botany are about planning ahead and making sure the airport remains accessible and well connected.”
Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall says improved transport options are needed to support growth in east Auckland.
“East Auckland has been lacking in travel choice for too long.
“We’re growing at a faster rate than other parts on Auckland. A dedicated busway going direct to the airport from Botany is vital for supporting economic growth.”
The next stage, subject to funding, will involve detailed design, property acquisition and construction. In the meantime, Auckland Transport will engage with communities on interim improvements between Manukau and Botany, including upgrades along Te Irirangi Drive.
The Airport to Botany corridor forms part of the wider Southwest Gateway Programme, aimed at improving transport connections across south and east Auckland.
