The Eastern Busway is a multi-modal, mass transit and urban integration project that will revolutionise travel and transform Auckland’s southeastern suburbs.
Spanning a 5-kilometre corridor from Pakūranga to Botany, the Eastern Busway will reduce congestion and cut commute times to Auckland’s CBD through a dedicated busway and improved walking, cycling, and transport connections.
Focusing on urban regeneration and connectivity, the project’s key infrastructure includes new bus stations at Pakūranga and Botany and the iconic Rā Hihi flyover, which will enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow.
The project prioritises sustainable, community-centred design and incorporates greenhouse gas emission reductions and broader urban outcomes.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the Eastern Busway is expected to deliver significant outcomes for communities and the environment, including:
- Increased public transport capacity: daily trips are expected to grow from 3,700 to 18,000 by 2028.
- Reduced carbon emissions: approximately 9,300 kg per day by 2028.
- Exceeded diversity targets: 8% direct spend with social enterprises and Amotai-registered businesses, alongside 28% sub-contractor spend with local businesses.
Eastern Busway Alliance: a collaborative approach
Designed initially under a traditional contractor model, the project transitioned to an alliance delivery model in 2020, bringing together Auckland Transport, Fletcher Infrastructure, ACCIONA, AECOM, and Jacobs, in partnership with mana whenua, as the Eastern Busway Alliance (EBA). The alliance approach has enabled speed and efficiency, with critical milestones including the endorsed Reference Design and Detailed Business Case (DBC) completed in under 10 months, demonstrating an impressive delivery timeline for a project of this scale in New Zealand.
The EBA has addressed complex engineering, environmental, and community challenges throughout the project, from overcoming affordability hurdles through staging options to aligning with Transpower to optimise design and avoid costly disruptions.
Delivering sustainable outcomes
The Eastern Busway project showcases a commitment to sustainability and community impact through:
- Carbon reduction: By redesigning the Rā Hihi flyover, the team avoided emitting 4,600 tonnes of CO₂.
- Waste diversion: 73% of house relocation waste was recycled, and 20% of houses slated for demolition were relocated.
- Community engagement: Initiatives, including planting days with local schools and creating a new FIFA-grade football pitch at Riverhills Park, demonstrate the project’s dedication to giving back to the community.
- Māori outcomes: Mana whenua involvement has enriched the project’s design, cultural integration, and decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).