New station to better connect Panmure

Panmure’s new transport interchange, due to open in January, will make commuting a more seamless experience with walking time between buses and trains taking less than a minute.

The new bus and train station, which will be the gateway to a high frequency busway is a significant step towards better transport connections for Auckland’s eastern suburbs.

The $17.5 million interchange will allow easy and direct transfers between rail and bus, benefitting those living and working in the area as well as those who travel through Panmure as part of their daily commute.

The interchange, which is part of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI), will be officially opened with a community event on Saturday 18 January at 11am.

It is the first stage of the Southeastern Busway between Panmure, Pakuranga and Botany. The next stage will see the creation of the busway lanes along Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Rd to a new bus station at Pakuranga town centre.

The busway will offer passengers faster and more reliable travel times by removing buses from congestion. It will better connect people in the area to trains to the city and the south.

Auckland Transport's Chief Executive Dr David Warburton says the new interchange will become an important transport hub for Auckland and is a significant step towards improving Auckland's public transport system.

Panmure is currently one of the busiest rail stations in the region with approximately 800 passengers per day. It has grown rapidly since 2003 when it was used by less than 100 passengers per day.

“This is a good example of the progress we’re making in terms of connectivity and faster travel times” says Dr Warburton. “The interchange layout is designed for easy transfers which is of course also enhanced by the new AT HOP card allowing people to travel seamlessly between public transport modes and operators.”

Features include a new central pedestrian plaza linking both sides of the rail tracks, two lifts, escalators to both platforms and four sets of stairs at the main access points. Ticket machines will be installed on both platforms with a staffed ticket office on the ground floor.

Temporary cycle parking will also be available on Mountain Road until a permanent structure is installed by mid-2014.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair, Simon Randall, says the new interchange is a significant step towards better public transport for the people of Panmure. “This new train station and bus interchange will be of great benefit to the local community, making getting to and from Panmure a much more simple and pleasant experience. I am looking forward to further development of the busways which will connect directly to this interchange.”

The community event on Saturday 18 January is an opportunity for people to explore the new interchange and will include local entertainment, food and drinks.

AMETI is Auckland Transport’s largest construction project which on completion will see the delivery of the first major infrastructure in the area for a number of years. This major project will see an integrated approach to improving transport - with work on roads, public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure.

The next stage of the project will unlock further benefits for transport in the area once the Panmure roundabout is removed and a busway from Panmure to Pakuranga town centre is built.
The NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council are major funders of AMETI. For more information on Ameti, visit www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/ameti

To see the fly through of the planned new busway visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU5YuHG6aoc&feature=youtu.be

Photos attached show:

1. Overview of current Ameti construction area.

2. Construction continues on the new Panmure Interchange.*

*photos of the completed interchange will be available to media on Saturday 18 January

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