In a collaborative move that signals better days ahead for public transportation in the region, Greater Wellington and Wellington City Council are joining forces to enhance bus services through priority bus corridors. This initiative, led by Greater Wellington, promises to streamline bus travel not just in Wellington, but also for Porirua commuters who rely on these routes for their daily transit.
Greater Wellington’s Chair, Daran Ponter, alongside Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, have been at the forefront of discussions on this proposal. The push for improved bus services has garnered support at the governmental level, as reflected in the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, setting the stage for significant public transport upgrades.
Cr Ponter emphasized the project’s potential to markedly improve travel times by addressing the perennial challenge of congestion, particularly along Wellington’s Golden Mile. By introducing a “second spine” along the harbour quays, the initiative promises to alleviate bus bottlenecks and enhance the flow of public transport, directly benefiting commuters from Porirua by providing a more efficient and reliable service.
“Immediate enhancements in traffic flow and congestion can be realized through strategic bus priority measures, bringing rapid relief to our busiest corridors,” stated Cr Ponter. He underscored the pressing need for this project, with the Golden Mile’s capacity anticipated to max out by 2025. The introduction of a supplementary route is expected to bolster capacity and ensure swifter journeys to critical locations, including the hospital and airport, from Porirua.
Mayor Tory Whanau highlighted the collaborative spirit between the councils, underlining the significance of such initiatives in managing Wellington’s demographic growth. For commuters, enhancing bus priority lanes is fundamental to curbing congestion, reducing environmental impact, and improving the overall livability of our region, Mayor Whanau says.
In the upcoming 2024 Long Term Plan review by Greater Wellington, there will be considerations for an allocation of up to $88 million over the next decade towards bus priority initiatives. This investment is poised to extend beyond the initial improvements, with plans to upgrade bus corridors that span the city in all directions, thus ensuring that Porirua commuters have efficient access to the Wellington CBD and key destinations such as Island Bay, Miramar, and the airport.
