Funding Announced
NZTA have recently released a presser on funding to assist design work on both the Manukau and Otahuhu Transport Interchanges.
From NZTA
Funding support for Auckland bus/rail upgrade
28 Feb 2014 03:50pm | NZ Transport Agency: Auckland and Northland
Two keys projects linked to the upgrade of bus and rail services in Auckland south have received $1.6m in funding from the NZ Transport Agency.
The Transport Agency will fund $780,000 for the design of a bus station at the Manukau transport interchange, and $831,000 for the design of the bus/rail interchange at Otahuhu.
The funding represents a 50% share of the design costs for both projects, which are being led by Auckland Transport as part of its comprehensive programme to improve public transport services across the city.
The Regional Manager for the Transport Agency’s Planning and Investment Group, Peter Casey, says providing people with more frequent public transport services was a key factor behind the funding decision.
“The development of Auckland Transport’s new interchanges at Manukau and Otahuhu will promote greater use of buses and trains,” Mr Casey says.
Auckland Transport’s Chief Development Officer, Claire Stewart, welcomes the funding.
“These two interchanges are an integral part of Auckland Transport’s on-going upgrade of transport infrastructure in the south. We want to provide facilities which will improve the experience for our customers,” she says.
Mr Casey says the Transport Agency provides funds for several of Auckland’s big public transport projects including the electrification of the rail network, the roll-out of the one ticket electronic HOP card, and the development of AMETI (Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative) to improve travel for both drivers and people who use buses and trains.
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This is further good news from NZTA as it does it part in investing in public and active transport modes in Auckland.
The only problem I have at the moment is that the Auckland Transport concept drawings back in May 2013 for Manukau were met were negativity and criticism for bad design especially around the saw-tooth bus station design. That particular design is more suited for Inter-City coaches rather than frequent metro-commuter buses. My Manukau Interchange Redevelopment Mk3 – and Incorporating Te Papa North post was my most recent example in providing an alternative to the Auckland Transport concept designs. I gave further push and weight behind the alternative to the interchange at the November Auckland Development Committee presentation last November which was received very well both by the Councillors and the Council Urban Designers: Developing a 21st Century Auckland Presentation – The Results
Next week Auckland Transport will reveal the updated concept drawings and details to the Manukau Transport Interchange to the Manukau Central Business Association and its members. No doubt the Council Committees will be briefed soon after.
I look forward to what AT will have to show and I do hope they have listened to the critiques that were given 😉
Talking Southern Auckland 