Latest AT-HOP data shows strong growth across the rail network

 

We know the rail network is experienced growth at 25.4% over the last 12 months and that subsidy required to run the rail system continues to fall as patronage continues to rise.

Today Transport Blog posted on the AT-HOP data for the rail stations in Auckland and it can be read here: Station HOP Data 2015 v 2014

 

The top 15 station figures as posted at Transport Blog:

 

As you can see the Manukau Station figures jumped some 118% with rankings going from 24 to 13. Panmure also showed strong figures while the numbers at Sylvia Park shows what happens when you place a rail station next to a large mall – in a Metropolitan Centre. Effectively Manukau, Panmure and Sylvia Park show what happens when you get your integrated planning (land use and transport) right. Although Panuku might have their work cut out for them with Panmure if the area is to fully exploit the increasing patronage of the Panmure Interchange.

When Otahuhu Interchange comes online this year I expect the station to also experience a surge in patronage growth similar to Panmure Interchange has. As for Manukau the 118% could have been 150% I reckon IF Auckland Transport simply listened to the community in 2013 in regards to the bus interchange which has stalled to now 2017 if not 2018 as AT work on the fifth set of designs since 2013.

 

 

In any case Manukau’s strong surge in patronage coupled with Panuku Development Auckland’s Transform program slated for Manukau City Centre (and immediate surrounds) clearly demonstrates what happens when integrated planning happens properly. We already know development is under way in Manukau with the Lakewood Plaza apartments due to start construction in August, Rainbows End continuing upgrades, Te Papa North back on the agenda despite a small set back in the Unitary Plan, the Manukau Interchange will get under way once AT get their act together and Wero (White Water Rafting) nearing completion. Now to get Scentre (Westfield) to undertake a comprehensive upgrade of Manukau Mall to capture the continued uplift in the area.

Which does remind me: Question: How Do You Want Your #Manukau Over the Next 30 Years?

 

 

Panuku are due to release the High Level Project Plan in March or April to the Auckland Development Committee. From there the community-Panuku collaboration and empower(ment) per the IAP2 regime begins, unless we want to repeat the mistakes of Auckland Transport with the Interchange….

 

 

I would be lying if I said the excitement was NOT building as March-April draws near…