MANNERS MALL BUS PLAN GETS APPROVAL
10 October 2008
Kerry WILLIAMSON
A PLAN to return buses to Manners Mall nearly 30 years after they were sent packing is one step closer after gaining council approval.
Wellington City Council's strategy and policy committee yesterday backed moves to open the pedestrian mall to two bus lanes.
The plan would see buses travelling in both directions through the mall, from Willis St to Courtenay Place. It is designed to make bus travel through the city centre faster and more efficient.
Buses would no longer use Dixon, Lower Cuba or Wakefield streets, and bus stops would be moved to either side of the Cuba/ Manners intersection.
Footpaths, crossings and public spaces would be improved. A council study found that the proposal was a "significant improvement" for bus passengers, and would improve traffic flow at nearby intersections, particularly at the corner of Boulcott and Willis streets.
It says the changes could be made at an unidentified but minimal expense, with 50 new car parks helping to cushion the costs of the plan.
The proposal will go out for public consultation next month, with a report due back to the council in March. The plan already has the support of Greater Wellington regional council.
"We think it will make significant improvements to travel time and reliability in this very important part of the city and region," regional council chairwoman Fran Wilde told the committee.
"I think it's absolutely common sense. It's an intuitive route, it's part of the central city spine and having buses back there will make an enormous difference to how the city functions."
©008 Fairfax New Zealand Limited.
Dominion Post
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