The final stretch of the Eastern Busway in Botany is set to begin construction, following the confirmation of $101 million in funding from the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council. This marks the completion of the $1.4 billion Eastern Busway project, a key component of Auckland’s rapid transit network designed to provide faster and more reliable transport options for residents in East Auckland.
The Busway will connect Botany to Pakuranga and Panmure via largely separated bus lanes, enabling a reliable 40-minute journey from Botany to Auckland’s city centre by bus and train. Forecasts indicate the Eastern Busway will carry 18,000 passengers per day by 2028 and 24,000 passengers per day by 2048. Together with the opening of the City Rail Link this year, the project is expected to significantly improve access to jobs, education, and opportunities across Auckland.
The Eastern Busway project includes 7 km of dedicated busway, five new bus stations, and the Reeves Road Flyover. It will integrate with the future Airport to Botany Busway, enhancing public transport options for people living and working in East Auckland. Construction on the final section along Tī Rākau Drive will begin in March, with traffic temporarily shifted onto new busway lanes to facilitate ongoing work while maintaining two lanes open in each direction.
Delivered by an alliance including Auckland Transport, Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM, and Jacobs in partnership with mana whenua, the project also features 12 km of walking and cycling paths. The Busway between Pakūranga and Panmure Station is already operational, allowing connections to trains to the city and the south. When fully completed in 2027, the Eastern Busway will complement the City Rail Link and reshape how Aucklanders travel across the city, supporting growth, investment, and improved access to essential services.
