Eastern Busway Starts Work On Final Section
by Auckland Transport · SCOOPConstruction has started on the final stage of the Eastern Busway, bringing frequent and rapid public transport a step closer for East Aucklanders.
The final section of the dedicated busway between Panmure, Pakūranga and Botany will link Tī Rākau Drive to Botany Town Centre through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve.
The expanded Eastern Busway, already operating between Panmure and Pakuranga, will provide frequent, more reliable journeys and better connections between Botany, the city centre and destinations across Auckland when it opens in 2027.
When the completed Eastern Busway opens, people will be able to travel from Botany to downtown Auckland in 40 minutes by bus and train, as well as have easy access to places including Sylvia Park, the Sky Tower, Newmarket, Manukau, Henderson, and beyond.
Howick Ward Councillor Bo Burns says construction beginning on the final stretch of the busway is good news for East Aucklanders.
“The Eastern Busway will give one of New Zealand's largest metropolitan areas an alternative to sitting in traffic and connect our community to opportunities right across Auckland. It will make it easier to get to work, education, appointments and the places people want to spend their time.”
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Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson says the project will transform how East Auckland connects with the rest of the city.
“Combined with the City Rail Link opening this year, the Eastern Busway will make public transport a genuine option for many more people, easing the pressure on our roads as the population grows.
“I've long been an advocate for major transport improvements in East Auckland, so it's great to see construction beginning on the final stage of the busway. It will support the continued growth of our communities and help connect people to opportunities across Auckland for decades to come."
Auckland Transport Chief Executive Stacey van der Putten says this final section completes a critical link in Auckland's rapid transit network.
“With dedicated bus lanes separated from general traffic all the way from Botany Town Centre, whether people travel to work, study, shops, or just want to spend time with friends and whānau, they will have a journey they can rely on.
“When more people choose frequent and reliable public transport, there is less pressure on the road network for freight, businesses and people who need to drive,” says Ms van der Putten.
Auckland Transport completed the Eastern Busway between Panmure and Pakūranga in 2021 and began construction of the Pakūranga to Botany section in 2023. Most construction between Pakūranga and Botany will be completed by the end of 2026.
Total funding for Eastern Busway work from Pakūranga to Botany is $1.4 billion. Funding for the final stretch of busway through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve was approved in late 2025. Early works at the reserve began in March 2026. At the peak of construction, around 80 people will be working on site at the reserve.
A shared path will also be built through the reserve, extending local walking and cycling connections. The work is expected to be finished in late-2027.
Project details:
- The Eastern Busway project is funded by the Government and Auckland Council. It is being delivered by an alliance of Auckland Transport with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs, in partnership with mana whenua.
- The Eastern Busway will open in 2027. By 2028, the busway is expected to carry 18,000 passengers per day with projections rising to 24,000 passengers per day by 2048.
- Current project works include 5km of busway between Pakūranga and Botany, fully separated from other traffic, 4 new stations and 12km of dedicated walking and cycleways. It will deliver wide-ranging benefits for the area, increasing access to jobs and education, and attracting investment and growth.
- People can already use the busway between Pakūranga and Panmure Station, where they can connect to trains to the city and the south. When the City Rail Link opens this year, people will be able to easily get to even more places on a bus and direct train such as Eden Park, New Lynn and Henderson.
- Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve is an area of high ecological importance. As part of the project’s consent conditions, the Eastern Busway captured and relocated 350 lizards to a new habitat at Burswood Reserve.
- In partnership with Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and mana whenua, the stormwater pond will be enhanced, pest plant species removed, and more native species planted. The Alliance is also upgrading the playground at nearby Huntington Park as part of the consent conditions for this section.
- A Transpower electricity cable supplying power to most of Auckland and Northland runs through the project area.
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