An artist's impression of the platform of the proposed Karangahape Road station. Photo: Supplied
Big changes are planned for Auckland's Karangahape Road precinct as Auckland Transport prepares for City Rail Link, but some residents aren't yet on board.
Once completed, up to 40,000 people are expected to pour through the Karangahape Road rail link station every day.
Auckland Transport's programme director for the city centre Graeme Gunthorp told Morning Report the changes were to compliment CRL.
"We're looking to really compliment the world-class underground train station that we're building with some world-class streetscape.
"Making sure that the environment is suitable for those thousands of people who will pour out every day."
Gunthorp said improvements were planned right across the city, including at Aotea Square and Mount Eden station, but Karangahape Road was the "major nexus for transport modes".
Proposed changes around Karangahape Road included "significant improvements" to Pitt Street and Mercury Lane.
Auckland Transport was proposing a pedestrian mall on Mercury Lane. Photo: Auckland Transport / Supplied
AT was proposing a pedestrian mall on Mercury Lane, and more safe areas to cross roads, link cycleways, reallocate parking, create new sections of bus lanes and extend the hours of bus lanes already in place.
Gunthorpe said AT wanted to make people's use of public transport seamless and as quick as possible.
Very few journeys start and stop at train stations, Gunthorp said, so it was important buses moved "quickly and efficiently" to and from stations.
Have bus stops right outside stations, for example, would mean people can just jump on and off and continue with their journey.
"What we are also focusing on is enabling the businesses and residents in the area to really thrive. It's not just about transport, it's about community building."
Pitt Street, off Karangahape Road, was in for some improvements. Photo: Auckland Transport / Supplied
But Gunthorpe acknowledged the projects had not been met with complete positivity and some public trasnport users and local resident would have to make some changes.
"The Karangahape Business Association has been extremely supportive of this project, we thank them for that.
"Some residents still need to work through their issues with us and we are looking forward to meeting with some of them this afternoon actually."
Gunthorpe said the consultation process for these projects was open and he encouraged everyone to give their views and have their say.
