Mayor Wayne Brown has marked another milestone achievement in progressing transport reform in Auckland with opening remarks to the Transport Select Committee as part of Auckland Council’s submission on the transport reform bill.
“I was elected to take back control of Auckland Transport, and this continues the momentum we have to deliver on that promise,” says Mayor Brown.
“I congratulate the government for getting the Bill into the house and the constructive way that parties have approached this process.
“It means Wellington has heard loud and clear that Aucklanders want change to the way transport operates in our city. It’s consistently the biggest issue the public raises with me and probably with Auckland MPs too.”
The mayor says the opportunity to speak to the Select Committee that will report back to Parliament was important.
“It costs Auckland nearly $1.5 billion a year to run AT, and transport capital expenditure represents a third of the council’s 10-year budget,” says the Mayor.
“Right now, we don’t get to tell AT what to do so it’s good we’ve got a process in play that will allow us to deliver better transport outcomes for Aucklanders.”
The bill, introduced in September, replaces AT with a new public transport-focused CCO, with other transport functions brought under full council control.
Mayor Brown says Auckland has a good public transport system, but it will be much better served by a dedicated CCO.
“They actually do public transport quite well; a 92% public satisfaction rate is high. It’s all the other stuff they do that people don’t like.
“We will finally have control of Auckland roads and the power to set transport policy. As elected, we will also be accountable to Auckland ratepayers for the decisions we make. The public are actually quite wise and know what they need, and it is elected officials who represent the public.”
“The new Auckland Regional Transport Committee will be a genuine 50/50 partnership between Auckland and Wellington, with the mandate to develop a 30-year Integrated Transport Plan. The 30-year plan will be based on a logical assessment of the movement of goods and people.”
“With the CRL due to open in 2026, it’s crucial we get this right. I’m committed to working constructively, in genuine partnership with the government, to ensure Aucklanders get the decent public transport system they need.”
