Source: Auckland Council
Two Rodney Local Board trial bus services are meeting patronage targets, so this week Auckland Transport (AT) has confirmed that it will fund these from May next year.
Rodney Local Board introduced the new bus services in February and May 2019 on a three-year trial basis.
At the time of the trial’s launch, AT agreed it would take over funding of these services and bring them into the AT network if they met patronage targets.
Route 126 (between Westgate and Coatesville) and Route 998 (Wellsford to Warkworth) have both seen steady growth since their inception and are on track to meet patronage targets.
Route 128 (Helensville to Hibiscus Coast Station) has seen more modest growth and, based on public requests, the local board recently resolved to increase the frequency of the service.
These services are part of a programme of transport improvements funded by the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate. The programme features over $40M of improvements for the Rodney area – including new footpaths, new bus stops and additional buses for the area.
Rodney Local Board chair Phelan Pirrie says Rodney Local Board is glad to be able to keep investing in transport during a difficult time.
“It was a tough call for the local board to set up this targeted rate and to focus on new bus services. But the community consistently told us that local transport infrastructure and services are important to them – so we’re glad to be able to deliver on our promises.”
Pete Moth, AT’s Service Network Development Manager, says Auckland Transport is pleased to be able to support the local board to deliver these projects.
“We would like to acknowledge Rodney Local Board for trialling this initiative. It has led to the running of bus routes that simply would not exist otherwise. Rodney is experiencing the challenge of providing transport choice for a growing community and the team at Auckland Transport is pleased to support the local board and the requests from the community for more public transport.”
For more information about projects and services being delivered through the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate, see: at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/rodney-transport-targeted-rate