The Auckland City Council's proposal to allow cars in the Dominion Road bus lane would be a leap backwards — leading to more congestion in the area and slower travel times for everyone, the Green Party said today.
"Currently, the bus lane is carrying more than half of total passengers on the road during peak times. It's doing a fantastic job of reducing congestion and we should keep it," said David Clendon, Green Party spokesperson on Auckland Issues.
"The council has put forward some good ideas for redesigning Dominion Road. Their proposal for a separated on road cycle-way is excellent and would be a New Zealand first. But binning the bus lane would be a real mistake."
A trial allowing cars with two passengers or more to drive in the bus lanes on Tamaki Drive led to slower journey times, on average, for all travellers on the road. Mr Clendon emphasised that Dominion Road carried almost twice as many buses as Tamaki Drive.
"The current debate over tickets for driving in bus lanes mustn't distract us from the advantages of having them," said Mr Clendon.
"Auckland City Council may need to adjust their policy on bus lane fines — but we don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water.
"Having a separate cycleway and a dedicated bus lane will be good for local businesses because it will make the area more pedestrian friendly. Research demonstrates that shoppers spend more time and money in areas that are more pedestrian friendly.
"There is only one week left for residents to make submissions to the council on their plans for Dominion Road.
"I encourage all residents in Mount Albert to go online and ask for a separate bus and cycle way," Mr Clendon added.
Link to more info on the redesign of Dominion Road and to make submissions: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/transport/dominion/default.asp
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