Transit NZ asks Government to cover rising North Shore busway costs

By MATHEW DEARNALEY

Transit New Zealand has decided to apply for $180 million of Government money to cover expected escalation costs of the North Shore busway.

Its board yesterday gave officials clearance to seek construction money from Transfund for the project and associated motorway on and off-ramps at Albany, site of one of five proposed bus stations and a large park-and-ride facility.

A decision is expected from Transfund in three weeks.

The overall cost of the 8.5km busway is now expected to cost a hefty $235 million in today's dollars once North Shore City Council's share of $74 million for the bus stations is added.

Project director Clive Fuhr said last night that the estimated cost of Transit's share in today's dollars had risen from $155 million to $161 million to include the motorway ramps, which were originally proposed as a separate project.

But his board had decided to apply for $180 million for an expected rise in costs over four years.

Infrastructure Auckland has pledged $40 million towards North Shore's share, but the council is considering applying for a larger subsidy to cover an escalation of $18 million announced in February from earlier estimate of $56 million.

Mr Fuhr admitted that the council had yet to find the extra money, but said it had had acknowledged its commitment, as had the Auckland City and Auckland Regional councils as additional partners.