FAQs
- It supports the frequent transit network with multiple buses per hour.
- It moves more people than a T2 or bus-only lane, up to 12% more.
- It fits with how other lanes operate nearby.
- It reduces traffic volumes for all users, including cyclists.
- We can implement it without removing traffic lanes.
- Drivers: If you’re carpooling with at least two passengers, you can use the T3 lane. Otherwise, you can use the general lane.
- Bus passengers: You’ll enjoy more reliable and faster trips.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists: You can use the T3 lane during its operating hours.
- Parking: 5 parking spaces will be removed near 4 bus stops to ensure buses and enter and exit the stop safely. On-street parking remains available outside 4–7pm, and on the other side of the road (eastbound) and nearby side streets.
- Residents and businesses: Access will remain. Construction will be minimal.
After we complete the changes, you won’t be able to park on the transit lane while it’s operating between 4-7pm, Monday-Friday. At all other times of day and on weekends, you may continue to park in the T3 lane space anywhere there aren’t broken yellow lines.
If you do need to park on the road when the T3 lane is operating, parking will always be available on the other side of the road (heading towards Onehunga) and side streets; there will be no changes to this.
We will be adding broken yellow lines directly adjacent to the four bus stops on this section of the road, to safely enter and exit their stop. We understand this may be outside your property. Parking will still be available nearby, though you may need to park a little further away. We appreciate this may cause inconvenience, and we’ll continue to balance the need for safe, reliable bus services with minimising impacts on residents.
On Mount Smart Road between Royal Oak roundabout and Onehunga Mall Road, we’re narrowing the flush median by about 1 metre to make room for the new T3 lane. Between Onehunga Mall Road and Victoria Street, we need to remove the flush median entirely.
If you normally use this median to turn right to enter your driveway or a side street, not much will change for you. You’ll just be partially or fully in the middle lane of traffic when you’re turning.
With traffic moving more efficiently, we also expect it might be easier to find safe gaps to turn, which means you won’t have wait as long to turn right, especially if you’re travelling during rush hour.
If you’re turning right from your driveway to get on Mount Smart Road, not much will change for you with the flush median changes. You’ll still need to take extra care and keep an eye on the traffic from both directions as you wait for a safe gap to turn across multiple lanes.
Why a T3 lane?
A T3 lane lets vehicles with three or more people, buses, motorcycles, and bikes use a designated lane during peak hours.
How this may affect you
Will traffic get worse or shift to side streets?
No. We’re repurposing an existing parking lane, not removing driving lanes. By giving priority to high-occupancy vehicles and buses, we free up space for general traffic. We’ll monitor traffic after implementation to ensure it’s working as intended.
What about cycling?
This project doesn’t include new bike lanes, but T3 lanes create safer conditions by reducing parked cars along the kerb.
Will this change the Royal Oak roundabout?
No. The T3 lane ends 100m before the roundabout. It’s designed to ease congestion in the lead-up without changing how the roundabout works.
What about parking on Mount Smart Road?
How will I access my driveway?
Turning into your driveway:
Turning right from your driveway: