The design of the Otahuhu Bus Train Interchange has been finalised and main construction work will begin in October 2015.

This will see the existing Otahuhu train station upgraded to a fully integrated bus and train interchange. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council, and funding from both is confirmed. The new interchange will open in mid-to-late 2016.

The historical 103 year-old Otahuhu Station signal box was relocated during Queen’s Birthday weekend to its new home on what will be the new interchange site. The signal box dates from 1912 and was built to New Zealand Railway Standards of that time. The design images together with images of the relocation of the signal box can be viewed on Auckland Transport’s website: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/otahuhu-bus-train-interchange/

The Otahuhu interchange is a key part of the new simpler and more connected south Auckland public transport network. It is also one of a series of major improvements on the way for public transport between Mangere, Otahuhu and Sylvia Park, which include high frequency buses, bus and transit lanes, new bus shelters and bus stations along the route.

Enabling works have been underway since November 2014 and is drawing to a close to permit for the construction of the main facility (interchange building, concourse area, platforms and landscaping).

Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene says she welcomes the major investment in the area’s public transport. “We’re thrilled to see these improvements delivered for our local community. Many rely heavily on public transport and it’s fantastic their journeys will be simpler, safer and more timely,” says Ms Sosene.

“It’s also essential for local transformation, especially with Otahuhu being an area of significant investment, growth and development in the future – a major connection for commuters both local and for the wider region.”

Auckland Transport Project Director Nick Seymour says feedback from several public open days has been factored into the interchange design. “People wanted better connections, improved passenger safety, comfort and accessibility. The train platform will be linked with two new bus platforms and a terminal building via an elevated concourse and the entire facility will be far more pedestrian friendly.

“The interchange is designed to support the rollout of the new public transport network for south Auckland by becoming a key transfer station, connecting bus passengers to the train network. It will also be safer, with separated circulation areas for buses, trains and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It will be more accessible as we are replacing the current aged Walmsley Road footbridge with a fully-accessible concourse with lift access. The architecture will reflect the history of the area and the significance of the site for local mana whenua as a historic portage site for waka.”

The new Otahuhu Interchange will offer the following benefits:

– A high quality accessible modern facility

– The design and architecture will reflect local and historical stories for mana whenua (portage site for waka)

– Clear separation of buses, trains and a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway (including cycle storage racks), separated cycle crossing at the adjacent signalised intersection

– Passenger drop off zone

– Covered bus platforms for passengers moving between bus and train services

– More frequent bus services from mid-2016

– Better connections between bus and rail networks

Connecting south Auckland

Major public transport improvements proposed between Mangere, Ōtāhuhu and Sylvia Park include:

– A simpler and more connected south Auckland public transport network from mid-2016 with high frequency services, including a Frequent Network bus route (FN32) between Mangere, Ōtāhuhu and Sylvia Park

– The Ōtāhuhu Interchange providing easier transfers, more comfort and accessibility for passengers

– Bus and transit lanes between Mangere, Ōtāhuhu and Sylvia Park – East West Connections project

– New bus shelters along the Mangere- Ōtāhuhu -Sylvia Park frequent route – East West Connections project

– An upgraded Mangere Bus Station and new Ōtāhuhu town centre bus stops – East West Connections project

– An upgraded Sylvia Park Bus Station adjacent to the train station and new dedicated busway link road to create a bus route that avoids the more congested parts of Mt Wellington Highway – AMETI project.