Auckland North-West Rapid Transit project receives fast-track approval

The North-West Rapid Transit project in Auckland has received fast-track approval. The project will establish a rapid bus transit route alongside State Highway 16, stretching from Brigham Creek to the Auckland City Centre.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop stated the project is designed to serve one of the city’s fastest-growing regions, which is expected to see a population increase of approximately 100,000 people by 2051. The development will include seven rapid transit stations, a Park and Ride facility at Brigham Creek Rarawaru, and connections to existing local bus and road networks.

Once operational, the busway is expected to move up to 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction, offering a 25-minute journey from Brigham Creek to the city centre. The approval follows high demand for existing services, such as the Western Express (WX1), which recorded over 1.1 million passenger trips in the 12 months leading to May 2026.