FAQs
The Eastern Busway is a frequent and reliable service dedicated to connecting Botany and Pakūranga to the rail service in Panmure. It is a key part of Auckland’s rapid transit network, connecting east Auckland to the wider region.
As well as connecting surrounding suburbs with the rail network, the Eastern Busway makes local trips easier by providing more options for walking and biking.
The Eastern Busway has already been through extensive engagement, planning and construction processes. This next step is about formally confirming how the busway will operate once fully operational in 2027.
The proposed resolution does not change the route, design or purpose of the Eastern Busway, and this process puts the right operating rules in place so the Eastern Busway can work the way it is intended.
Parts of the Eastern Busway that are already built operate as a bus lane. It's time to update this to formally operate as a busway.
Unlike a standard bus lane, which can be used by any bus, a busway can only be used by buses and other vehicles that have been specifically authorised to use it. Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025
Formalising the Eastern Busway as a busway will allow AT to manage access, set conditions of use and enforce against unauthorised vehicles.
Unauthorised vehicles using the busway can cause delays and congestion issues. The controls will be imposed along the whole length of the busway but introduced as each section is constructed.
This process helps make sure the busway can operate as intended: safely, reliably and for the right vehicles.
Formalising the Busway in this way, will make the process and rules the same as they are for the Northern Busway and all busways in Auckland.
Auckland Transport proposes that the Eastern Busway's terms of operation, and the authorised vehicle hierarchy permit system, be the same as the NZTA Northern Busway Bylaw 2025.
We propose making eligibility to apply for an Authorisation Permit the same as the Northern Busway, making it consistent for all busways in Auckland.
To apply for an Authorisation Permit to access the Easter Busway under the bylaw, eligible operators, (as outlined in the priority groups), will need to complete an application form and provide detailed information about their schedules and service.
Auckland Transport receive, review and process the application against the criteria set and current volumes, and if approved, NZTA and Auckland Transport will jointly grant the Authorisation Permit.
An Authorisation Permit will be required for vehicle operators to access the busway. Only operators of the following vehicles may apply:
Scheduled Passenger Services (first priority)
Accessibility Buses (second priority)
Any other type of vehicle the relevant authority approves as being eligible to make an application – for example, airport shuttles and hospital buses (third priority).
As part of the consultation process, Auckland Transport will reach out to potential permit applicants.
The permit process gives Auckland Transport the ability to manage the overall capacity of the busway, not for vehicles to take a higher priority on the busway, or to overtake vehicles with a lesser priority.
An Auckland Council contracted bus providing a public transport service or transport to or from an event, a school bus
A school bus
An inter-regional bus
Private exempt scheduled public transport services
Airport shuttle means:
a small passenger service vehicle that was originally designed to carry at least 8 persons but not more than 12 persons (including the driver); and
operated by the holder of a valid Small Passenger Service Licence; and
used for hire or reward for the carriage of passengers who must begin or end their journey at Auckland Airport.
'Small Passenger Service Vehicle' and 'Small Passenger Service Licence' have the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
'Auckland Airport' means the airport located at Māngere Auckland as defined in the Auckland Airport Act 1987.
a large passenger service vehicle; and
operated by the holder of a valid Large Passenger Service License; and
used to transport a specified group to and from a specified point as part of an event or activity, such as a sports function or school camp.
'Large Passenger Service Vehicle' and 'Large Passenger Service Licence' have the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
a large passenger service vehicle; and
operated by the holder of a valid Large Passenger Service License; and
has a defined schedule of more than 24 hours’ duration; and
takes a group of tourists on a pre-determined route; and
the only scheduled duty in any natural day for the bus driver.
'Large Passenger Service Vehicle' and 'Large Passenger Service Licence' have the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
a bus that provides a passenger service and is used for the carriage of passengers who must begin or end their journey at a hospital.
We want to hear from busway users, accessibility transport operators, tourist, airport and school bus operators and the wider East Auckland community.
Consultation is open from 26 August until the 27th September 2026.
Auckland Transport is seeking feedback to better understand;
Whether there are any local or operational issues that should be considered before resolving the Eastern Busway as a busway
How the authorisation and access arrangements are explained
Whether the proposed information for operators and the community is clear; and
If there are any practical considerations for operators, emergency services, local schools or other affected groups.
What is the Eastern Busway project?
What is the difference between the existing busway and what is being proposed?
Why is this proposal needed?
How similar will this be to the Northern Busway?
How can I apply for an Authorisation Permit?
Will there be any conditions for those vehicles permitted to use the busway?
Yes, we propose that the authorisation conditions for the Eastern Busway be like those for the very successful Northern Busway. Conditions can include restrictions on the number of vehicles operating under a permit at any given time, specifications for vehicles (makes/models, licence plates, signage and identification, registration, servicing and certification, communication and training requirements) and specifications for drivers, including training and licensing requirements.
Are there specific rules for the busway, and if so, how will these be communicated to vehicle operators?
Drivers on busways operate under a specific set of rules so that the network can function cohesively. We propose to use the same Busway User Manual used for the Northern Busway Auckland Busways User Manual 2025. This document covers roles and responsibilities, driver safety rules, standard procedures for drivers, and operator instructions for incidents and breakdowns.
What is an Authorisation Permit exactly?
How are Scheduled Passenger Services defined?
How are Accessibility Buses defined?
A bus that is providing a passenger service for the carriage of passengers using a Health or Disability Service (for example, Specialised School Transport Assistance, National Travel Assistance or the Total Mobility scheme).
How are the other type of vehicles, or third priority vehicles defined?
Charter Bus means:
Tour Bus means:
Hospital bus means:
Who can give feedback on this proposal?
What kind of feedback are you seeking?
What will you do with my feedback?
After consultation closes, we will analyse all feedback and publish a summary of what we heard. Feedback will inform the resolution report considered by Auckland Transport's traffic control regulators. If the resolution is approved, busway controls will be introduced as each section of the Eastern Busway is completed, with a transition period for existing operators to apply for Authorisation Permits.