I voted AGAINST this — along with Crs Hapeta, Meehan, Wood, Dennison & Finlay — because we could all see the chaos coming. Sadly, the majority voted it through.

The 2024 “makeover” of just 750 metres of Featherston Street has turned a busy arterial road into an absolute nightmare:

• Four in-lane bus stops block traffic every time a bus pulls in.

• Buses now have to cross the median line to bypass traffic jams.

• Bus passengers must step straight into a cycle lane to get on or off.

• Car parks in the middle of the road create confusion and danger.

• The loss of Center turning lanes means nowhere for vehicles to safely wait.

• Emergency vehicles are slowed down at the very moment they need speed most.

• The loss of carparks is damaging to surrounding businesses.

And the results? 🚗 Over 2,000 vehicles now avoid this street every single day, pushing congestion onto surrounding roads and frustrating locals.

This was sold as a “safety improvement” — but instead it’s made the road more dangerous, less efficient, and harder for everyone who uses it.

When councillors and residents raise red flags, they deserve to be heard — not ignored.

This isn’t about being anti-cyclist or anti-bus. It’s about common sense, good design, and keeping traffic moving while keeping people safe.

We can — and must — do better than this.