Where are we now? Where are we heading?

The South FTN Detailed Business Case has been approved by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Boards.

We have also finalised the Notice of Requirement documentation which was lodged with Auckland Council in October 2023.

The Notice of Requirement Process

If you would like to view further information on the Notice of Requirement process please download a copy here.

South Auckland is growing

Over the next 30 years, there will be 120,000 more people living, working, and schooling in South Auckland. We are preparing Tāmaki Makaurau for that growth by planning solutions for improved public transport, better and safer walking and cycling options, and new and upgraded roads. We want future generations of South Aucklanders to have more choice about how they get around.

We’re working with Auckland Council to integrate our transport planning with the land use aspirations of the Manurewa Takaanini Papakura Integrated Area Plan (2018). A plan that outlines an urban vision for these areas over the next 30 years. It sets out the key ideas, desired outcomes and supporting transformation activities that will achieve the urban vision for the Great South Road corridor and Manurewa, Takanini and Papakura.

In 2018 Te Tupu Ngātahi investigated an indicative strategic transport network for South Auckland. Public feedback during the Indicative Business Case (IBC) stage showed strong support for better transport networks across Tāmaki Makaurau, including South Auckland. As part of the IBC process, the community told us they wanted to see:

• increased transport choice (and to be able to separate shorter distance trips from longer ones)
• improved north-south movements
• improved access to education
• better access to employment and recreation opportunities.

To meet these community priorities, we are undertaking planning now to improve transport networks on some of South Auckland’s existing roads, we’re planning two new bus routes, known as a Frequent Transit Network Routes (FTN).

The new bus networks, totalling around 28 kilometres in length, will connect train stations with town centres in Manukau, Puhinui, Takaanini, Papakura and Drury. Typically, FTN bus routes operate at least every 15 minutes making them efficient, direct, and attractive to users. The bus network will connect with the rail network to give people greater access to the places they want to go – like home, school, work and recreational activities..

The new bus networks will use existing roads. While we don’t know exactly how the road layout will look yet, we are proposing new bus lanes for large sections of the network. This will mean bus passengers will enjoy a faster and more direct journey. Walking and cycling improvements will mean that people will have more options about how they travel for some or all of their journey.

During previous consultation, the community told us that they want more transport choices ssuch as improved public transport and better walking and cycling options. To achieve this, we will reallocate existing space within the road and there may be a need to widen the road in some areas.

The need to widen roads reflects our expectations for the arterial roads in the future, including improved public transport options, much better walking and cycling and using modern design standards that focus on safety and sustainability

The new bus networks will use existing roads. While we don’t know exactly how the road layout will look yet, we are proposing new bus lanes for large sections of the network. This will mean bus passengers will enjoy a faster and more direct journey. Walking and cycling improvements will mean that people will have more options about how they travel for some or all of their journey.

During previous consultation, the community told us that they want more transport choices like improved public transport and better walking and cycling options. To achieve this, we will reallocate existing space within the road and there may be a need to widen the road in some areas.

The need to widen roads reflects our expectations for the arterial roads in the future, including improved public transport options, much better walking and cycling and using modern design standards that focus on safety and sustainability.

What is a business case and what information does

it provide?

The work that goes into a business case builds a more complete understanding of all the risks, uncertainties and benefits associated with a transport investment so that a final decision can be made on whether to proceed with a project.

Once completed, the business case is submitted to both the Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi Investment Quality Assurance Teams to ensure it is fit for purpose and has followed the business case process.

The business case process has included:

• A multi-criteria analysis (MCA). This is used as part to
  • assist with the options assessment process. It helps to look at the differences between options and to identify the benefits and impacts of each option.
  • Technical experts evaluating the options to identify the preferred option.
  • Feedback on the options. Feedback may come from Auckland Transport and/or Waka Kotahi technical experts and from partners such as Manawhenua, Auckland Council and KiwiRail. Feedback from key stakeholders and the community through public engagement is also considered.
  • Once the preferred option is identified, a further detailed analysis of the costs, risks and benefits is undertaken. This includes providing evidence that:

• the preferred option delivers the agreed outcomes.
• is the right investment.
• is affordable and value for money.

A decision by the Auckland Transport and Waka Kothai Boards as to whether or not they endorse the business case and fund the next steps (i.e. route protection) in line with business case recommendations.