Improved cycling and bus options for Far North
Find out about the Far North projects that have been confirmed as part of the Transport Choices funding package announced by the government on Sunday 4 December.
Mayor Moko Tepania has welcomed a $2.95 million funding package announced by Minister of Transport Michael Wood on Sunday (4 December) that will improve cycling options and bus services in the Far North.
The funding is part of a $350 million Transport Choices package included in the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Two Far North projects confirmed for funding by the minister are:
- Far North bus services: $1.6m for three projects to provide formal bus stops and shelters at key locations and markings and signage at remaining stops along the Far North and Mid North bus routes that are provided by Northland Regional Council. Originally set up on a trial basis some years ago, there are currently no formal stops or signs marking these routes.
- Hone Heke Road cycle lanes: $955,000 for the creation of cycle lanes and traffic calming measures on Hone Heke Road (between Cobham Road and Kerikeri Road) to provide safe travel options for school students and the wider community.
Funding for a third project remains contingent upon timelines and other details being finalised.
- Kerikeri neighbourhood greenways: $390,000 to create easy-to-achieve, safe cycling environments on quiet Kerikeri streets to improve the safety of all road users and contribute to the Government’s road to‐zero safety targets.
Te Kahika (Mayor) Tepania says he is “stoked” that the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funding will promote alternative transport options and help the district reduce its transport emissions. “Kerikeri will hugely benefit from cycle lanes along Hone Heke Road, which will enable safer travel options for the residents of our largest town. I'm also pleased to see the bus improvements package that will provide a safer experience for users of our Far North Link and Mid North Link services. Provincial communities often feel left out when it comes to the funding of projects like this, so this is an excellent outcome and I look forward to seeing more.”
Waka Kotahi Manager Urban Mobility, Kathryn King is pleased Far North District Council has received funding as part of the Transport Choices programme. “The programme is supporting councils to give people more options in the way they travel. I’m pleased to say we received an outstanding response from councils around the country, embracing the opportunity to provide greater transport choices for their communities. Funding criteria specified projects that would deliver strategic cycling/micro mobility networks; create walkable neighbourhoods; support healthy school travel; or make public transport easier to use. The aim is to open up streets so everyone can get where they need to go in ways that are good for their health and the planet.”
Funding for the Transport Choices projects is indicative until Waka Kotahi works with councils to explore how projects can be progressed in line with Transport Choices timeframes. Funding allocations may be adjusted after this consultation.
Forty-six councils submitted applications with a combined value of over $1 billion, significantly over-subscribing the $350 million Transport Choices fund. Northland Transportation Alliance lodged applications worth $3.9 million for five projects on behalf of Far North District Council. Waka Kotahi gave preference to projects located in urban areas that could be delivered by June 2024.