Information
Auckland Transport has sent back my latest Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act requests (LGOIMA) on what is happening to three sets of stations in the Papakura Local Board area. My thanks to the AT Call Centre and Chief Strategy Officer Peter Clark for tracking down the LGOIMA after it went for a small trip to who know’s where (through no fault of AT).
Takanini Station
As was mentioned before the elections in October there can be NO park and ride at Takanini Station due to the land around the station owned by the Crown (Land Information New Zealand) not Auckland Transport. LINZ have said no to any attempt for a park and ride at Takanini and have also said any cars parked on that stretch of land are doing so illegally. Auckland Transport however, have committed to improving the shelters on the station platform while making way finding for the 371 and 365 busses that stop near Takanini Station easier.
Tironui Station
Prior to 1983 there was Tironui Station which sat on the Papakura side of the Walters Road level crossing. Owing to increased rail patronage and pressures at Papakura Station Auckland Transport have identified reopening Tironui Station in the future. AT have done consultation earlier this year on Tironui to which it received general support. The issue now comes down to funding with the station timeline looking around the second decade of the Auckland Transport Alignment Program (or the ATAP). Second decade means 2026-2036. The timing would be similar to the Third Main is built from Wiri to Papakura to untangle the freight trains from the passenger trains. However, given the quakes recently meaning more freight trains on the Southern Line the Third Main (and subsequently Tironui Station) could be brought forward.
Source: http://transportblog.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/ATAP-Major-Transport-Projects-by-Decade-map.jpg
Papakura Station
Auckland Transport have pretty much confirmed that the Papakura Park and Ride will be expanded by May next year. The cost is around $4.5 is outlined in the Auckland Transport document below:
You can also view and download here: Papakura Park and Ride by AT
So Papakura will have at least 200 more park and ride spots and new bus lanes next year. Progress being made.
Talking Southern Auckland 
It is very disappointing that the land at Takanini station is not to be used as a park and ride. The streets around the station are already clogged with parked cars and it will only get worse. If the authorities want people to use public transport, they have to provide parking at stations. Conifer Grove residents have no bus service to the station. Ownership of the land is a red herring, what else is it going to be used for?
The Third Main which is in the ATAP document. The catch is I am not sure what side the extra track will sit on – the Conifer Grove or Takanini side.
Wondering why our new councillor hasn’t made another grandstanding announcement about the numerous letters he’s sent? Maybe he just sent the one whinge letter and didn’t actually request the info you did Ben?
I am watching the Live Stream of the Planning Committee where Newman has made mention of his various letters and the somewhat scattered replies.
I would say he has requested the info for sure as I have via LGOIMA. What one does with it is something else.
For me if it concerns the South I will publish and share to the blog here and the community pages.
Come on Phil Goff – talk to your former colleagues – its our land after all.
NO park and ride at Takanini Station due to the land around the station owned by the Crown (Land Information New Zealand) not Auckland Transport.
Hey Brian, perhaps talk to your local MP? She does actually sit on the government benches that control the purse strings……..just saying.