Good News Indeed

 

But it does not excuse Auckland Transport for not answering their communications when they have been sent around the Otahuhu Interchange project. I was not the only one to conclude from Council Long Term Plan documents (seeming the LTP is the master budget document that controls AT activities) thinking the Otahuhu Transport Interchange got shunted back to 2021. Auckland Transport having no Tender documents readily available either (as mentioned here: Update on Otahuhu Interchange ) which would have cleared the matter up very quickly is of no help, and possibly illegal as well. But that is for another post.

So the Otahuhu Interchange is to go ahead according to this from Auckland Transport:

Building better connections for Otahuhu

Construction will begin later this month on the new Otahuhu Bus Train Interchange, with expected completion in late 2015.

During the construction period, the current Otahuhu Station will be operational as usual; however, Titi Street Bridge will be closed. As shown on the attached map, passengers can access Otahuhu Station via Walmsley Road footbridge (at the intersection of Walmsley and Station Roads), and allow extra time for travel.

Auckland Transport Project Director Nick Seymour says, “With Auckland moving towards a more integrated public transport network, the new interchange will provide better connections for passengers with more frequent services and the ability to transfer easily between buses and trains.

In upgrading the existing station to a bus and rail interchange, the rail platform will be linked with two new bus platforms and a terminal building via an elevated concourse. Once it’s complete, it will also become a far more pedestrian friendly area. The project is designed to support the rollout of the new network in south Auckland in late 2015.”

Other benefits include:

• Bus platforms at the interchange for passengers moving between bus services and the train platforms
• Vehicle drop off area and taxi stand
• Interchange building providing waiting space and customer facilities and a ticket office
• Clear, safe separation of buses, trains, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

For more details, visit: at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/otahuhu-bus-train-interchange/

—–Ends——