Porirua commuters encouraged to explore Park & Ride alternatives

While you normally can't have too much of a good thing, it's a different story at the increasingly popular  Porirua Station Park and Ride  - and commuters who can't get a park need to consider other options such as taking the bus, carpooling or parking at other stations to help ease the congestion.

Barry Fryer, the Regional Council's Acting Manager, Rail Operations, says the number of people using the Park and Ride at Porirua Station has risen significantly over the last few months.  "Unfortunately we've now got to the stage where people are parking dangerously and inconsiderately. We're looking at various ways to discourage people from parking in illegal spots or creating obstructions for others.  However, we would prefer that people to consider alternative options."

Mr Fryer says some parking is available at Mana Station, by the Ngatitoa Tennis Club, at Tawa Station in the Park & Ride on Melville Street and at Takapu Rd Station, in the south end of the Outlet City carpark.  

Another option for some people might be to walk or cycle to the station. "We've created a time and distance map that shows Porirua residents how long it would take to walk or cycle to the station from different locations.  Some people may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly it would take to walk or cycle to the station their home." 

Porirua Station walking cycling map (PDF 699 KB)

Mr Fryer says the Regional Council added 150 parking spots at Porirua in 2014 and is continuing to explore options for more Park & Ride there. "Porirua is one of the busiest stations on the network and we do want to make it easy for people to take the train. At the moment, however, there's not enough parking for everyone and people do really need to explore other options."

Porirua bus timetables are at Metlink.

For media comment, call 021 914 266