Auckland Council’s Transport, Infrastructure and Delivery Committee has given the green light to the council’s first transport policy statement.
The statement is a new opportunity for the council to set the direction for the land transport system that keeps the Auckland region moving. Together with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, it will guide investment in transport for many years to come.
Committee chair and councillor for Franklin, Andy Baker, says transport is the backbone of any city, influencing everything from commutes to supply chains.
“Keeping Auckland moving is a priority for the council. We want to make sure people have options, so they can get to work quickly and easily, pick up their kids from school, food and products can get into stores, and produce can get to the ports and markets.
“Our aspirations for transport in Auckland are captured in this forward-thinking policy statement – it sets out where and how we want to invest to make sure every Aucklander is getting the most bang for their buck,” he says.
The council’s priorities include providing affordable, quick and reliable public transport; significantly reducing emissions; and improving safety while delivering maximum value for money.
“Essentially, this document is a roadmap. It sets the principles for the council to follow when investing in the transport system and makes sure the needs of Aucklanders, be they urban or rural, are always reflected in decision making,” says Cr Baker.
In coming months, the transport policy statement will help guide the development of the region’s new 30-year transport plan, which Auckland Council will work on with central government. This plan will set out specific transport projects that the council and government agree are needed in Auckland. Work on this will begin after new transport legislation has passed into law.