The Northwest Busway is a proposed 18 kilometer bi-directional busway linking Central Auckland and Brigham Creek, in the north-west. The project is expected to be delivered over three stages:
- Stage One (NZ$330 million - NZ$380 million) - Stations and Causeway Improvements, comprising:
- Delivery of Brigham Creek and Lincoln Road stations,
- Enhancements to the existing WX1 Bus Route, and
- Increased bus service frequencies.
- Stage Two (NZ$4.1 billion - NZ$4.6 billion) - Brigham Creek to Te Atatu, comprising:
- Construction of bi-directional busways between Brigham Creek and Te Atatu stations,
- Delivery of Te Atatu, Royal Road, and Westgate Stations Stage Two, and
- Upgardes to city centre links.
- Stage Three - Point Chevalier to City Center
- Delivery of busway between Point Chevalier and Newton Road.
The anticipated construction staging is dependent on procurement, property acquisition and funding availability. The indicative timeline for each stage is:
- Stage One: 2027 to 2030
- Stage Two: 2030 to 2039, and
- Stage Three: 2039 to an undetermined date.
The project builds upon the previously announced Northwestern Bus Improvements, delivered by Auckland City Council.
Key Dates
| 2027 | Stage One: Expected Construction Commencement |
| 2030 | Stage One: Expected Construction Completion |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | NZTA |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Jun 2024 | The Northwest Rapid Transit corridor was identified as a priority project in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. |
| Apr 2025 | The NZ Transport Agency Board endorsed the Northwest Rapid Transit Investment Case. |
| Aug 2025 | The NZ Transport Agency issued an advanced notice for a Principal Technical Advisor for the corridor. |
| Aug 2025 | The NZ Transport Agency has opened Registrations of Interest for a Principal’s Technical Advisor for the project, closing 9 September. |
| Feb 2026 | The NZ Government announced the NZ Transport Agency applied for statutory approvals for the Northwest Busway project under the Fast‑track Approvals Act. The Government also confirmed the total estimated cost of Stages One and Two, with Stage One expected to cost between NZ$330 million and NZ$380 million, and Stage Two between NZ$4.1 billion and NZ$4.6 billion. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2026)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
Government resources
Investment Case Summary (April 2025)Project Application for Fast-tracked Approvals
