Business Supports Rerouting Buses through Mall

Wellington Business Supports Rerouting Buses through Manners Mall

A recent survey by the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has found over two thirds of Wellington businesses support the Wellington City Council’s proposal to reroute buses through Manners Mall. The level of support has increased since the plan was enhanced to redevelop lower Cuba Street.

“The survey result reinforces the Chamber’s position of supporting this proposal.  We have supported it to date on the basis of the improved transport efficiency that would result,” said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

“The Wellington economy relies on an effective transport system to improve the flow of goods and services and people through the CBD. Reduced congestion and improved public transport are essential to improving the efficiency of transport in the city.

“The street configuration in this area is currently sub-optimal with buses doglegging in different directions to travel a relatively short distance.

“Rerouting buses through Manners Mall will not only shorten the central bus route, it will remove buses from other key roads (Wakefield, Victoria, Dixon, Cuba and Mercer) some of which are significant motor vehicle routes.

“The Council’s enhanced proposal includes plans to beautify lower Cuba Street and restrict vehicle movement to mitigate the loss of pedestrian space caused by the opening of bus lanes in Manners Mall. Further, from an urban design perspective the extension of the Cuba Street walkway to the Michael Fowler Centre, Civic Square and the waterfront retains continuity and is a sensible course.

“Wellington business support for this proposal has increased over the last year from 56% to 67%, perhaps endorsing the compromise reached between maintaining a level of public space in Wellington city and the need to improve transport efficiencies on the Golden Mile, throughout the CBD and beyond,” Mr Finny concluded.
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