Auckland Transport's decision to destroy more homes to build the Eastern Busway is a terrible outcome for Auckland.
I feel for the residents of Burswood, who have been forced to fight to keep their homes, and lost. Having this bombshell dropped on them at the end of lockdown last year, they've rallied together. Unfortunately their courageous efforts have been ignored. Community feedback has been clear - we support the Busway but not taking an unnecessary diversion through people's homes.
I write this as I travel down the first stage of the Eastern Busway. As one of thousands of East Aucklanders who use public transport every day, I am keen to see the full busway completed. I’ve campaigned at both a national and local level to get the Eastern Busway delivered sooner, frustrated at the constant delays and descoping.
This last minute change to the route is another poor decision. It misses the East Tāmaki business district, which means it will be of little use to the 40,000+ people who work in this area. It increases the length of the trip for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
Reallocation of road space along Ti Rākau Drive as per the original plan remains the cheapest option. Auckland Transport have said that going via Burswood will enable faster construction, with less impact on existing traffic but this is the widest part of the road with six lanes, ample median strip and berms. Instead Auckland Transport is pursuing this short sighted approach that fails to consider the long term, strategic importance of this project.
Based on a number of conversations with people connected to the project, I understand that the decision was driven by political interference. The lack of transparency and accountability for this decision make it very difficult to accept that it was based on evidence.
There are cheaper options that will deliver better long term benefits. There are alternatives that won't destroy homes and community.
We need the Eastern Busway we were promised and this isn't it.