City councillors might reserve Hamilton's newest road link for buses in peak traffic.

The four-laning of Wairere Dr – now nearing completion – has been the site of major bottlenecks during construction, but one senior councillor is proposing using the two new lanes for buses, or for car pooling as happens on some major routes in Auckland.

Councillor Dave Macpherson – formerly the city's transport chairman – has asked senior staff to put the matter in front of council, and has laid out several options.

He said the idea should have been part of the city's funding application to the New Zealand Transport Agency.

In an email to city infrastructure general manager Chris Allen yesterday he raised the potential use of two new lanes on Wairere Dr between Pukete Rd and River Rd.

Using them as peak hour – or permanent – bus-only or car-pool lanes were options.

"The strong risk is that such retrospective action would be perceived as removing an existing drivers' entitlement. We have a gilt-edged opportunity to start from day one and never be seen as taking anything away from car drivers, while at the same time benefiting, or rewarding, shared use of vehicles, be they public transport or private."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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