18 July 2014

What does the future of public transport look like for Warkworth?

Auckland Transport is asking people in Warkworth for their input on the future of public transport for the area.

An engagement survey which will help design and guide future public transport options opens Monday 21 July and locals will have four weeks to give their feedback.

The Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) allows for the introduction of a bus service between Warkworth and Silverdale which would run 7 days a week. The RPTP suggests a two hour frequency during the day and hourly at peak times. Buses would terminate at a new Hibiscus Coast Station to be built in Silverdale, where passengers could connect to services to Auckland city (via the Northern Express), or local services to other areas of the Hibiscus Coast.

Anthony Cross, Public Transport Network Manager says the survey is the first step in engaging with the community.

“While we are asking for specific feedback on the proposed Silverdale link, the survey is also an opportunity for people to indicate what other local and long distance services they want.

Any new services would be trialled for at least a year.

“Based on the outcome of the survey we will then develop some proposed routes and timetables and return back to the community for further discussion.

“We understand that this two-step engagement will take some time and a balance between community desire and financial and practical constraints will have to be made. We are confident however that with the community’s input we can put together a proposal to take forward,” says Mr Cross.

Mayor Len Brown says that getting Auckland moving through a highly functioning public transport system is front and centre of the Auckland Plan.

“A public transport system that gives all Aucklanders, including those up to Warkworth, an attractive and realistic alternative to using their cars is an absolute priority. The proposed bus service between Warkworth and Silverdale is an important step towards that goal,” he says.

In addition feedback on the current Kowhai Connection is also being sought.

Any new services are likely to become operational in 2016, subject to the outcome of public consultation and tender process. Changes to the Kowhai Connection as a result of this engagement could be made earlier.

For more information go online to www.AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork or come along to a public information event.

• Monday 28 July, anytime between 4pm and 7pm at the Masonic Hall, 3 Baxter Street, Warkworth.
• Saturday 9 August, anytime between 10.30am and 2pm, on the New Network Info Bus, Queen Street, Warkworth.

ENDS

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