Get moving: Passing lanes can cause snarl-ups

By PHOEBE FALCONER

My apologies to Lionel Hansen of Tauranga, whose question was included in last week's column but answer came there none. Thus -

Q: Why does Transit insist on closing the few passing lanes on State Highway 2 during peak holiday times and Friday afternoons and evenings?

A: Transit says that, contrary to popular belief, passing lanes are often the main cause of traffic snarl-ups during heavy congestion, because the point where the traffic merges again becomes the slowest point on the road, often causing long queues. So the passing lanes are closed and the traffic moves steadily.

* * *

Q: It would be nice if buses could indicate the route and destination, for example whether a particular service goes along Wellesley St to Queen St or along Symonds St to Britomart. Will this ever happen, or do I have to memorise the routes and their numbers? Adam Lawrence, Glendowie.

A: Russell Turnbull of Stagecoach says he appreciates the benefits of what you are suggesting but it seems it will not happen any time soon.

Buses such as the Link and the Remuera Rider carry route information because they are on fixed routes, but most of the other buses do a huge variety of routes and it is not possible to display all the information at a size that would be easily readable.

If your bus stop does not have timetable and route information, a call to Rideline on (09) 366-6400 should help.

* * *

Q: To get on to the Southern Motorway at Symonds St, one needs to wait for Grafton Bridge pedestrians to cross, then wait for traffic to turn left on to the bridge, before traffic wishing to get on to the onramp can move straight ahead - and all this on the one green light. Is it possible to use the middle lane for motorway traffic and buses only, leaving the left lane for Grafton Bridge and the right lane for traffic going straight up Symonds St? Carole Van Weede, Auckland.

A: This intersection is currently at full capacity at peak hours, as you probably know, so a lane reconfiguration is not possible.

The good news is that a feasibility study on a proposed dedicated passenger corridor from Britomart to Newmarket via Symonds St is currently being undertaken by Auckland City, and this could result in that intersection being rejigged within the next two to three years.

The bad news (for some) is that this is when Grafton Bridge will be open to buses only between 7am and 7pm.



* Do you have questions about public transport, roading projects, roadworks or how to get a driver's licence?
>> Email the Herald