Lack of bus station parking frustrates commuters

Northwest Auckland residents are irritated that the Westgate bus station will not offer any free parking spaces for its users.

Unlike Albany and Constellation Drive stations, the Westgate facility does not include a Park and Ride, ruling out accessible, cost-efficient parking for people who drive to the stop.

One Facebook user, Noel Reid, expressed his frustration in a comment, saying that Auckland Transport's exclusion of Park and Ride spaces isn’t fair to drivers.

“AT are anti-motorist, and it's time the motorists took control via central Govt!”

Auckland Transport says the Westgate plans did not include a Park and Ride facility to limit motor congestion in the area and encourage foot traffic over cars.

Heavy traffic in the surrounding area is due to major shopping outlets like Costco, something Auckland Transport does not want to contribute to.

However, commuters who do not wish to pay extra will be forced to park hundreds of metres away, as unassigned nearby spaces are currently pay-only.

Kaipara ki Mahurangi MP, Chris Penk, says that catching connecting bus routes to and from the new station would rule out the need to drive.

“If people need to drive a private motor vehicle to get to the Westgate station, then so be it, but for those who are able to avoid it, they will be doing others a favour as well as themselves.”

Commuters say that feeder buses can be unsustainable and too infrequent.

This includes the 125 from Helensville, which runs via Waimauku and Kumeu on an hourly schedule.

Auckland resident, Fletcher O’Roarke, says a Park and Ride facility is necessary due to the instability of connecting routes.

“[Auckland Transport] still need to provide adequate car parking, as our bus system isn’t sufficient enough to provide feeder buses to that station.”

Minister Penk defended the public transport system but said he would like to see it further developed to accommodate commuters to the same extent as cars can.

“I accept the position that the bus service status is fast, efficient, affordable and strategically placed.”

As part of a new Northwest Interchange, the Brigham Creek station will offer motorists a park-and-ride.

Construction starts in 2027, but no timelines have been given for the Brigham Creek station or the Northwest Interchange.

Westgate Station is expected to open in mid-2026.

*AI was not used in the creation of this story