It's the $176,000 bus stop | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

The bleak wait at Highbury will be eased with a new shelter. But, Valerie Schuler finds out, locals are shaking their heads at the price tag.

On a Tuesday afternoon in Birkenhead's main street, the air is full of diesel fumes from the steady flow of buses pulling in and out of the bay outside a real estate agency.

Young and old congregate on the footpath waiting for transport.

Most have to stand while they look westwards for their bus as there is only one wooden bench on the main strip.

To ease the chaos caused by several buses pulling up at once, North Shore City Council is revamping this Highbury bus stop.

The $176,000 plan includes a new pedestrian crossing, lengthening the bus bay and widening the pavement. And there will be a $34,000 custom-built bus shelter made  of aluminium and glass, with neon signs and wooden seats.

Birkenhead estate agent Bill Plunkett shakes his head at the plan and says it's a waste of money.

"Instead of spending $400 on another bench, they go and build something like this. As far as I'm concerned, we don't need it. It's unnecessary, expensive and very ugly."

The people who catch the bus have mixed views on the matter. Julea Cecil, who catches the bus from Highbury a few times a week, says the bus stop is fine as it is.

"I really don't see an issue with what's here. Maybe some extra seating would be nice. But, aside from that, I don't see a pressing need."

Another regular, Felicity Clark, disagrees. "We are always being told to catch public transport so I think they should provide nice bus shelters.

"It makes sense and anything beats the one wooden bench. The council spends a lot on roading and bus lanes, so why not bus shelters?"

The council says Birkenhead-Northcote Community Board and the local business association have wanted Highbury bus station upgraded for many years.

"This involves much more than simply putting in a new bus shelter," says communications adviser Francis Martin. "This project is to improve the immediate area for all users and make it a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists."

Mr Martin says everyone is entitled to their opinion and if residents are concerned about something, they should contact the council's action line or a local representative.

"We actively encourage residents to make themselves heard on issues that are important to them and our city.

"We hope this information helps explain the reasons and intentions behind the works and that the works may now be better understood and valued by Highbury residents."

Work on the shelter and widening footpaths will begin early next year.