Eastern Busway Resolution
AT is making the Eastern Busway an official 'Busway'. We especially want to hear from busway and potential busway users including accessibility, tourist, airport and school bus operators.
What we are doing?
The 
Eastern Busway corridor connects Panmure, Pakūranga and Botany, linking East Auckland's suburbs to the rail network at Panmure Station. It significantly increases the capacity of East Auckland's transport corridors and supports the growth of East Auckland.
Bus-rail integration at Panmure has increased patronage by 275 per cent over three years. The completed busway will reduce journey times by up to 17 minutes.
How people can access and use busways is regulated under Clause 22 of the Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025.
We're proposing to make the Eastern Busway an official busway under this bylaw, meaning only buses and other authorised vehicles can use it.
Why are we doing it?
Formalising the Eastern Busway as a busway will allow us to manage access, set conditions of use and enforce against unauthorised vehicles. Unauthorised vehicles using the busway can cause delays and congestion issues.
This process helps make sure the busway can operate as intended: safely, efficiently and for the right vehicles.
How it works!
Formalising the busway in this way will make the process and rules the same as they are for the Northern Busway.
The 2025 Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw sets out:
- what a busway is
- that operators must apply for authorisation
- what information an application must include
- the conditions that may be imposed
- the relevant authority that may review, suspend, amend or revoke an authorisation.
To ensure the resolution supports the Eastern Busway now and into the future, we're proposing controls that:
- help to optimise and manage the capacity of the busway and its stations
- have a clear authorisation process for vehicles accessing the busway
- have clear penalties and enforcement mechanisms
- provide for a safe journey
- promote equitable travel choices for customers, including those with accessibility needs.
We are seeking feedback on:
- Whether there are any local or operational issues that should be considered before resolving the Eastern Busway as a busway
- Access arrangements and authorisation
- If there are any practical considerations for operators, emergency services, local schools or other affected groups
- Whether information provides is clear and accessible.
When can you have your say?
Community engagement is open from 26 August to 27 September 2026.
How can you have your say!
- Complete the online survey about this consultation by clicking on the link above or below.
- Email us your questions and feedback at easternbusway@at.govt.nz .
What happens next?
We will consider all community feedback and present a recommendation and feedback report to regulators to help inform a final decision.
All those who complete the survey will be notified of the outcome. We'll make sure to reflect your feedback in an upcoming Eastern Busway Newsletter. Click here to sign up for the Newsletter.
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Travelling en route to Botany along the Eastern Busway.