Regional Context
In the 1990’s growth on Auckland’s North Shore, and increases in traffic on the Northern Motorway prompted studies into ways to improve public transport within North Shore City and between North Shore and Auckland cities.
The Regional Growth Strategy and Passenger Transport Action Plan identified key passenger transport corridors for the region. Within the plan it was agreed that a rapid transport system for North Shore City should be based around a dedicated and separated busway alongside the Northern Motorway between the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Constellation Drive.
The region’s transport and roading network requires a co-ordinated approach, and involves participation from a number of different agencies. These include Transit New Zealand, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Council and North Shore City Council.
New roads, improved links, bus lanes, cycle lanes, transit lanes, ferries and buses are all part of making Auckland’s transportation network work more efficiently.
Region-wide transport initiatives have been outlined in a number of strategies, including the ARC’s Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) and Regional Passenger Transport Plan from ARC and Transit’s Auckland State Highway Strategy and 10-year State Highway Forecasts.
Regional Land Transport Strategy
The ongoing development of Auckland’s transportation network was outlined in the ARC’s Regional Land Transport Strategy (2005), which set out ARC’s plans and actions for transportation and roading improvements across the Auckland region. This strategy will deliver a transport system needed to support and enhance a successful rugby World Cup in 2011.
The North Shore busway project is a crucial component of the RLTS - to improve public transport possibilities in North Shore City, and between North Shore and the rest of the region.
Passenger Transport Network Plan
ARTA's Passenger Transport Network Plan (PTNP) for 2006-2016. This document outlines key passenger transport networks. The Busway is part of this as it is part of the rapid passenger transport plan.
10-year State Highway Plan and Forecast
Each year Transit produces a 10-Year State Highway Forecast, outlining planned projects and costs, throughout the region for the next 10 years.
The Transit New Zealand 10-Year State Highway Forecast of 2000 indicated that the construction of the busway was a major priority in helping to cost effectively improve the safety and efficiency of the motorway network.
Subsequent State Highway Forecasts have laid out projected spending and construction progress.
