Project partners have agreed that a Rapid Transit Network (RTN) should be progressed as a priority to meet rising public transport demand in East Auckland. A study undertaken by ARTA into the level of PT infrastructure that long term future demand would require, has concluded that a Rapid Transit level of service in East Auckland is necessary sooner than expected. A bus based system is to be developed between Panmure-Pakuranga-Botany, focusing on the Panmure-Pakuranga segment and Pakuranga-Harris Road first, as the most urgent.

In April 2008 the Political Steering Group endorsed proceeding with RTN route protection and necessary design.

In July 2009 the NZTA approved funding, which includes the procurement of professional services needed to work towards creating a high volume PT spine from Panmure to Botany.

RTN in regional context

The map below provides an indication of the public transport hierarchy in the AMETI area as laid out in ARTA’s Auckland Passenger Transport Network Plan. The proposed RTN route in blue extends across both Auckland City and Manukau City territory. Eventually the RTN will extend through to Manukau City.

Important Components of the RTN Corridor

Key components of the envisioned bus-based RTN corridor:

• a high quality bus/train interchange in Panmure that is well connected to the rail station and Panmure town centre
• signalised bus priority on Panmure bridge
• a transport corridor that enables buses to travel in a congestion free environment, works well for general traffic, and enables pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the corridor
• a multi-modal solution that works well for walking and cycling
• good integration with town centres and land uses, especially Panmure and Pakuranga town centres.

RTN in AMETI project areas

RTN components will be integrated with area specific workstreams to deliver an integrated multi-modal solution:

1. Panmure Area
   • Design of RTN Interchange bus-bus and bus-rail on Ellerslie Panmure Highway bridge and possible secondary stations along Lagoon Drive
   • RTN corridor Ellerslie Panmure Highway bridge to Panmure bridge with bus priority measures.
2. Pakuranga Area
   • Determine preferred multi-modal and bus rapid transit option along Pakuranga Road and Ti Rakau Drive
   • Determine appropriate locations of bus interchange or stops, and integration with Pakuranga Town Centre and surrounding land uses.

Next steps

Key outcomes over next few years:

• the securing of a designation to future proof the corridor to enable the staged implementation of a full blown RTN service as PT demand rises.
• finalise detailed designs for Panmure interchange that will perform well both in terms of function and amenity to travelers.

The detailed timing of the work programme and milestones have yet to be determined.