Northwest Busway Hits Fast-Track Milestone, Promising 25-Minute Trips to City

Mr Bishop says the northwest is under mounting pressure as population and housing growth accelerates.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has lodged statutory approvals for Auckland's long-awaited Northwest Busway under the Government's Fast-track Approvals Act (FTAA), marking a major step toward delivering faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport for the city's rapidly growing northwest, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

The project, modelled on the highly successful Northern Busway, will create a dedicated busway corridor alongside State Highway 16 (SH16) between Brigham Creek and Auckland's city centre, transforming travel options for one of the region's largest future growth areas.

Unlocking Transport for a Growth Corridor of 100,000 More Residents

Mr Bishop says the northwest is under mounting pressure as population and housing growth accelerates.

"People in the northwest are crying out for better transport options in one of the region's largest planned growth areas, where an additional 100,000 people, along with 40,000 new homes and 40,000 new jobs, are expected by 2051," he says.

The Northwest Busway is designed to provide long-term capacity and resilience, supporting Auckland's expansion while reducing congestion on key motorway routes.

"This is about building the future of public transport in New Zealand," Mr Bishop says. "Auckland is our largest city, and this will help support jobs and drive growth."

Seven Stations and Park & Ride to Connect Communities

The busway will run from Brigham Creek to the city centre and include seven stations fully integrated with local bus services and the wider transport network:

• Brigham Creek (with Park & Ride)

• Westgate

• Royal Road

• Lincoln Road

• Te Atatū

• Point Chevalier

• Western Springs

The stations will serve major residential and employment hubs, creating a high-capacity rapid transit spine through the northwest.

Capacity Equivalent to Four Motorway Lanes

The Northwest Busway is expected to move up to 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction — the equivalent of adding four motorway lanes of people-moving capacity.

It will also provide a reliable 25-minute journey time from Brigham Creek to the city centre, operating consistently throughout the day.

"That reliability is a game-changer for commuters and families," Mr Bishop says. "All day, every day."

Boosting SH16 Capacity by Nearly 20 Percent at Peak Times

Beyond improving public transport, the busway will deliver wider network benefits by freeing up motorway space for freight and essential trips.

The project is expected to increase the capacity of SH16 by nearly 20 percent during peak times, easing pressure on one of Auckland's busiest transport corridors.

Construction Already Underway

Early works are progressing, with tangible delivery already happening on the ground:

• Construction is underway on the new Westgate Station, due to open later this year

• Works on Brigham Creek Station and Park & Ride are expected to begin next year

The fast-track approvals process will allow NZTA to build the busway in stages as funding is confirmed.

"The approvals will enable NZTA to construct the project progressively as further funding becomes available," Mr Bishop says.

$550 Million Invested to Date

The Northwest Busway has already received around $550 million, supporting:

• Statutory approvals and planning

• Detailed design and site investigations

• Construction of Westgate Station

• Brigham Creek Station and Park & Ride development

• Targeted property acquisition

This represents one of the most significant public transport investments currently underway in Auckland.

Integrated with City Rail Link and Wider Network

The Northwest Busway forms part of a broader integrated transport strategy, designed to maximise returns from major projects such as the City Rail Link and strengthen connections across Auckland's rapid transit network.

"Aucklanders want better, faster and more reliable public transport," Mr Bishop says. "This project is a priority for this Government, and I welcome the progress being made."

The lodging of statutory approvals under the FTAA marks a major milestone toward delivering rapid transit infrastructure that will reshape mobility in Auckland's northwest for decades to come.