Call to review Mangere and Papatoetoe bus services

A review to make bus services in Mangere, Otara and Papatoetoe easier and more convenient to use should start now, Manukau City Council says.

The council wants to work closely with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), who would lead the review, and NZ Bus, the main operator for the area, on improving bus services in the area.

Transport Portfolio Leader David Collings says use of buses in Botany, Howick and Manukau has increased by about 15 per cent since service improvements in the area were made last August.

“This proves that bus services which are simple and convenient to use will attract more people. We need to capitalise on this success and extend it to the western part of Manukau.

“The current western Manukau bus network is difficult to understand, has indirect services and is not considered user friendly. Some buses wind through back streets, taking the long route to get people where they want to go.

“For someone living in Mangere Bridge or Mangere East who wants to catch the bus to work or shop at Manukau city centre it is very difficult to get a direct service, “Cr Collings says.

“We need improvements to bus services to be in place for the opening of the new Manukau city centre bus and train station in late 2010. That means the review has to start as soon as possible.

“ARTA have had great success in increasing bus passenger numbers in Botany and Howick by simplifying the network. They’ve proved it can be done for only a very small increase in cost,” Cr Collings says.

Manukau City Council’s submission to ARTA’s Public Transport Plan calls for the review of Manukau’s western bus network to begin by July this year so changes can be implemented next year.