January 16, 2009

Airport shuttles given green light on busway

“Absolutely overjoyed” and “thrilled to bits” are the comments from airport shuttle operators who were today given the go-ahead to use the northern busway - expected to shave between 20 to 30 minutes off travel times during peak hours.

North Shore City Council (NSCC) and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) completed driver training with operators North Shore Shuttles Ltd (Shore Shuttles) and Super Shuttles on Wednesday, and both shuttle companies say while a handful of drivers could operate on the busway as of today, it would take a week or two for all drivers to complete the training.

The shuttle services can only use the busway for travel to and from Auckland airport.

Super Shuttles Chief Executive, Peter King, praised NSCC's vision and leadership toward shared ride services – the first council in the Auckland region to allow airport shuttles to operate on its priority bus lanes. 

“We are thrilled with respect to the council’s vision and leadership toward more efficient airport services.

“Shared ride services are our business and the reduced travel times will not only be of huge benefit for our travelling passengers and North Shore City residents, but also the environment,” he said.

Ron Smith, Managing Director of North Shore Shuttles Ltd (Shore Shuttles) said he is “absolutely overjoyed” to have the go-ahead.   

“There has been a process to follow and we are just so pleased to be able to start using the northern busway.

“Travel times will be so much quicker for our customers,” he said.

Mr Smith said training was important as drivers would be travelling through bus stations.

Meanwhile, North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams says he imagines citizens will be thrilled to see airport shuttle vans using the busway.

“I am very pleased as Mayor that this has now been actioned and will make trip times to and from Auckland Airport much more efficient and easier for the travelling public,” said Mayor Williams.

“The airport shuttle services will complement the Northern Flyer public bus service giving plenty of options for our North Shore and North Harbour residents and business people needing access to the airport.”

-ENDS-

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