Auckland Transport media release

Tuesday 23 September

Get on board, to give your feedback on bus changes for Pukekohe and Waiuku

Public consultation on changes to bus services for Pukekohe and Waiuku are now open. Residents have four weeks to give feedback on the changes proposed by Auckland Transport (AT).

Andy Baker, Chairman of the Franklin Local Board, says “Improved bus services connecting to trains are something people in Waiuku and Pukekohe have been demanding for a long time so it is really pleasing to see this consultation. This is the opportunity for those who want to see better public transport to have their say on what the best services will be. I challenge them to take advantage of this opportunity so we get the services that are best able to meet those needs whilst being efficient and effective.”

To help get the message out to the community, AT have revamped a Mercedes 305 bus into a mobile roadshow.

The AmBUSador as it is known, will make its first appearance at the Franklin Markets, this Saturday from 8am to midday. It will be at other information events in the area, including the Blast to the Past event in Waiuku, in October.

AT New Network Manager, Anthony Cross says, having the AmBUSador gives AT more flexibility.

“We can drive to where our customers are, park it and invite people on board to look at maps and displays and chat with staff. On sunny days, we can put up the awnings and a few chairs. It will be quite a pleasant way to interact with our customers,” he says.

All are welcome to drop in, anytime at the following information events:

The public transport proposals for Pukekohe include replacing the current Pukekohe loop bus with three new circular bus services. These would run every 30 minutes throughout the day and connect with trains at Pukekohe Station.

A bus between Pukekohe and Wesley College/Paerata will be retained. However it is proposed to remove the bus route between Wesley College/Paerata and Papakura.

Later this year, a new hourly weekend train shuttle to Papakura will commence, and a later evening train during the week from Britomart will be added to the current timetable.

At Waiuku, residents are offered three different bus routes to choose from. A service to Papakura through Kingseat, running every two to three hours and every hour in peak times; a service to Papakura through Drury running every two to three hours and every hour in peak times; or a service to Pukekohe running every one to two hours and every 30 minutes at peak times.

Feedback on the Pukekohe, Waiuku New Network is open until October 17. For more information or to share your views, visit AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork

ENDS

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