Double Decker Buses To Be Trialled

Double decker buses could soon be on the roads of Auckland.

A number of bus operators want to trial double decker buses on the city’s busiest bus routes possibly starting later in the year.

Among routes being looked at for the trial are the busy Dominion Road and the Northern Busway on the shore.

Before any trial can begin issues such as the weight, height and width of the buses need to be addressed to ensure they meet national standards.. Possible routes will also have to be checked for access around power lines, shop verandas and bridges.

David Warburton, Auckland Transport chief executive welcomes the move. “There is the potential to increase capacity by around 70 per cent on some of our busiest routes without putting extra buses on our already busy roads.”

And Mayor Len Brown also likes the idea. “Demand for public transport in Auckland is going through the roof. New infrastructure such as the City Rail Link is vital to unclog our roads. But at the same time innovative and forward thinking proposals like this from our bus operators are great ways of maximising our existing route system. I look forward to the trial.”

The trial is just one of many improvements for users of public transport in Auckland.

The frequency of services on the shoulder peak of the Northern Express has been increased to four minues to respond to existing demand and to future proof for the opening of the Albany Park and Ride extension in the middle of the year.

Mainline Howick and Eastern bus services from Howick/Botany through to the CBD via the Ellerslie Panmure Highway are being streamlined to provide a service at least every 15 minutes. In addition there will be bus service connections to the new Manukau Rail Station.

Cash machines have been installed at Albany, Constellation, Smales Farm and Akoranga Busway Stations to make it easier for commuters.

Plus a review is underway of all bus timetables against actual running information to improve the accuracy and reliability of all bus customer information.

And some good news for ferry passengers, the trial of extra weekend services between Downtown and Half Moon Bay, Bayswater, Birkenhead and Northcote Point has been extended to mid-April due to demand. Design work for Stanley Bay wharf improvements has been completed and agreed with ferry operator Fullers.

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About Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of Auckland Council. It is responsible for all of the region’s transport services (excluding state highways) - from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.
Among its main tasks are:
:: To design, build and maintain Auckland’s roads, ferry wharves, cycleways and walkways.
:: Co-ordinate road safety and community transport initiatives such as school travel
:: Plan and fund bus, train and ferry services across Auckland.

For more information go to www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz

ENDS

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