Better transport options
Sunnynook station was teeming with commuters this morning as Heart of the Shore’s Jan O’Connor, Ruth Jackson, Trish Deans, and Iain Rea joined the morning throng.
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since the station opened (the construction seems like yesterday!) – but the numbers of people pouring through the station are a testament to its success.
But the hundreds of people we met had a common gripe: There’s no park and ride and only one feeder bus, which comes from Campbells Bay. A lucky few lived in walking distance – but the rest have to rely on lifts from friends or family.
It’s a similar story at other stations – with inadequate park and ride capacity meaning local streets are clogged with cars from early morning.
While many say feeder buses to the other stations are great, they say the downside is that their local services have been sacrificed – making it harder to get anywhere else.
And all across the area we’ve met many people frustrated that their old single-bus journey now involves two or three buses.
More local bus services are badly needed – both to serve the busway, and get people around the local area.
As local board members Heart of the Shore will provide a link between the community and Auckland Transport to push for the buses and park and ride services you need.
