Northwest Rapid Transit

6 December 2023

Thank you for your feedback

Kia ora koutou, 

Earlier this year we asked communities to share their views and experiences to help us as we plan better transport options for the growing northwest. Reducing our reliance on cars - and emissions – and getting people where they need to go quickly and reliably will create a better future for us all. 

Nearly 4,000 people completed our survey which is a fantastic result – our thanks to everyone who shared their views. Your feedback, which we have summarised into a report, will be used to inform our investigations and help make decisions on the rapid transit solution that will best serve the northwest.  

A snapshot of what we heard: 

• You want better, faster, and more reliable public transport choices.   
• Rapid transit along SH16 would improve your journeys.  
• And it would make those of you who drive more likely to take public transport and leave the car at home.  
• You want better connections to the wider rapid transit network – including connections further north towards Kumeū and Huapai.  
• You want a solution that will last long into the future and meet future growth demands.
• Many of you feel this project is urgently needed.

Making it easy to get to rapid transit stations is vital and you want us to consider:   

• Bus lanes on feeder roads to make reliable connections. 
• Frequent connecting bus services.  
• Walking and cycling connections to stations. 
• Park n Rides at stations.

Read the report on our project webpage here.

What’s next for Te Ara Hauāuru?

We’re in the process of taking community and stakeholder feedback on board and factoring it into our investigations.

We will be in touch next year to update you on our investigations and share a preferred option with you. 

A connected-up transport system

Many people shared with us the need for a future Northwest Rapid Transit solution to be well connected and work alongside existing and planned public transport services.  

The Northwest Rapid Transit is one of many public transport projects underway or planned across the region. It will fill the missing link connecting with the rapid transit corridor planned from Brigham Creek to Waimauku on SH16 and work alongside initiatives in the city centre, including the extended City Rail Link and proposed Waitematā Harbour Connections to create a connected public transport system that delivers sustainable and equitable transport options.

Short term improvements for the northwest

Auckland Transport (AT) recently launched a new flagship bus route, the Western Express (WX1), alongside a range of other improvements to bus routes in the area. The new WX1 and 11 routes combine to provide buses between Westgate, Lincoln Road, Te Atatū and the city centre in both directions every ten minutes, from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. 

This new service was delivered by the Northwestern Bus Improvements (NWBI) team, a joint AT and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi project and made possible with funding in part from Crown Infrastructure Partners. The project provided new bus stops at Westgate, and at the Te Atatū and Lincoln Road motorway interchanges, plus new and extended bus lanes on the Northwestern Motorway (SH16).

More reliable journeys 

Further work is needed to improve the reliability of journey times. This includes the citybound onramp at Westgate as part of AT’s Fred Taylor Drive and Hobsonville Road - Bus Lanes and Other Improvements project. 

We will continue to work with AT to monitor performance of the WX1 and look for ways to make improvements along, and in and around SH16 and the city centre. 

Visit the AT website to learn more or click on the video below.

Our thanks again for contributing your feedback.

Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia! 🎄

Ngā mihi,  
Te Ara Hauāuru – Northwest Rapid Transit team

More information

For more information -

• Email NWRapidTeam@nzta.govt.nz
• Sign up for newsletters 
• See our project webpage