The long awaited Hibiscus Coast Bus Station (Silverdale park and ride) building opened to the public on Sunday, January 24.
It includes a retail kiosk (Dough Boys), ticket and AT HOP top-up machine, toilets, bike racks and sheltered waiting areas.
All bus services now leave from one of four stops alongside the new station.
Completion has been a long time coming – construction of the extension to the park and ride began in late 2017. Holdups included legal challenges from neighbouring property owners, delays in awarding a contract, and Covid-19 halting construction and slowing supplies.
An official opening event is to take place in late February or early March once artwork has been installed and minor works finished off.
Cr John Watson says the facility will greatly improve the local bus service and will be matched by an upgrade of facilities at the city end.
“When combined with the busway improvements currently occurring along the Northern Motorway, Coast residents will have one of the best bus services in the Auckland region,” Cr Watson says.
More carparks on way
The final 90 parking spaces are desperately needed as the park and ride is generally full to overflowing, with cars parking in nearby streets and on the berms. The new parks are scheduled to open mid-February, bringing the total number of spaces to 606. An AT spokesperson says once these new parks are open, parking on grass berms will not be allowed – ‘No Parking’ signs will go on the berms in late February and be enforced.
