Hibiscus Coast bus station reopens after renovations

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

The Hibiscus Coast bus station has reopened today after undergoing a major facelift.

Improvements to the transport hub, near the northern motorway at Silverdale, were co-funded by Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The project cost $23.4 million with $11.7 million from Waka Kotahi's National Land Transport Fund.

The upgraded station boasts 90 new carparking spaces, culminating in 600 parks in total.

Also featured is cultural artwork, a retail kiosk, bike parking, AT HOP machines and waiting areas which are well lit and protected from the elements.

The new station will lead to people making better transport choices that reduce private vehicle use, ease congestion and benefit the environment, said Transport Minister Michael Wood.

On the Northern Express bus, a trip from the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station to the city centre takes an average of only 37 minutes at 7.30am.

This will be even quicker when the Northern Busway extension, between Constellation and Albany, is complete.

Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker said the new bus station would help with the growing popularity of bus travel, which was critical to relieving congestion on roads and the northern motorway.

Fellow Albany Ward Councillor John Watson agrees.

“This is a wonderful new facility for the people of the Hibiscus Coast, in what is now one of New Zealand’s largest park and ride stations.”

What do you think of the station's new design?

Are you in favour of the improvements?

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