Major changes aimed at improving bus services between central Wellington and the eastern suburbs will go before councillors for a decision on Wednesday.
Wellington City Council’s Te Takere Regulatory Processes Committee is due to consider the Eastern Bus Corridor improvements on September 2 following public consultation and oral submissions.
The project covers the busy corridor through Mt Victoria, Hataitai, Kilbirnie and Miramar.
Proposed changes include lengthening some bus stops, removing or consolidating others, changing shelters and kerbs, and modifying road markings and some intersections so longer buses can operate safely.
The council says existing stops are struggling to cope with the number of buses using the route, with buses sometimes queuing, stopping in the roadway or being unable to accommodate waiting passengers.
Route 2 is the main service using the corridor and recorded about 3.4 million passenger trips across the full Karori to Miramar and Seatoun route during the 2024/25 financial year.
Metlink expects passenger demand to continue growing, creating pressure for either more frequent buses or longer articulated buses.
The eastern corridor is also used by Routes 4, 14, 18, 24 and several express and school services.
Public consultation attracted 489 responses, followed by oral submissions to councillors on August 19.
The council’s decision register confirms the final Eastern Bus Corridor decision is scheduled for September 2.
