New Puhinui Station includes e-bus link

Electric AirportLink buses are running this week from the newly opened $69 million Puhinui Station transport hub in Papatoetoe.

The facility was officially opened on July 24 by transport minister Michael Wood and Auckland mayor Phil Goff with hundreds of people checking out the architecturally designed hub aimed at improving South Auckland’s transport connections.

From July 26 the Puhinui Station offers faster, more frequent and easier connections to Auckland Airport, including access to the electric AirportLink bus fleet comprising nine e-buses from China’s Yutong supported and supplied by JW Group and operated by Go Bus.

The station had been closed off for construction since September 2019, and now includes larger platforms and shelters, new escalators, stairs and large lifts to accommodate customers with luggage, plus drop-off zones and short-term parking bays, a HOP ticket gate line, improved safety, lighting and CCTV.

Auckland Transport chief executive Shane Ellison says the “amazing” station will create key connections into Auckland Airport from throughout Auckland.

Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina says the design also incorporates the future rapid transit network bridge – as part of the Auckland Airport to Botany Rapid Transit project.

“This will eventually unlock 18km of a dedicated rapid transit path from Botany to Auckland Airport, via Manukau, and is part of Auckland’s bigger rapid transit network.”

The station opening also coincides with the recently upgraded State Highway 20B and Puhinui Rd/Lambie Drive Improvements – providing dedicated T3/bus lanes and reliable travel times for customers on the AirportLink.

The AirportLink will run every 10 minutes from Puhinui, with a 10 to 12-minute journey to Auckland Airport.

The station was designed by Aurecon and Jasmax and constructed by a McConnell Dowell and Built Environs joint venture.

It’s part of the Southwest Gateway Programme involving a partnership to deliver transport projects to improve access to the airport and its surrounding area for the benefit of all road users including commuters, workers, travellers, tourists and freight movements.