Reflecting strong local feedback, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has urged Auckland Transport (AT) to support local board transport priorities for local investment in public transport, local road maintenance, and safety projects.
It also called for equitable attention from AT and government agencies towards South Auckland in its response to the draft Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan (RTLP) 2024-2034.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “This board shared at the hearing that it is important council push the government to support its priorities, which are also our priorities. Otherwise, AT and the government will literally and figuratively be leaving South Auckland behind.”
The board raised concerns about time-of-use charging and airport connections.
NO to time-of use-charge
Apulu comments, “This board also signalled that we do not support “time-of use-charge” as it will have a disproportionately adverse impact on people as well as many vulnerable parts of our communities. Our people are car-dependent for several reasons.
The area is poorly served by the public transport network, and congestion-charging will make it even more in-equitable for those living in conditions of high deprivation. There are no-enabling factors to help people make a mode-shift.”
Airport to Botany concerns
Apulu shares, “Connection to the airport precinct is vital for our communities and many more who are working and servicing the precinct, this is why we advocated not to defer the final Botany Interchange.
Our people here in the south need to get to employment and young people need to get to study. This rapid transit programme will improve travel choices and journey times for people in south and east Auckland. But, without funding, this remains a dream.”
Getting it right
The board supported measures such as free fares, fare caps, and monthly pass options to enhance the accessibility and appeal of public transport.
“We need public transport that is affordable, frequent, and reliable. Lived experiences shows the need in our community for high frequency, low-cost, reliable public transport.
“There are many who are ‘working poor’ that don't qualify for a community services card, therefore don't benefit from the usual subsidies. Shift workers working at the airport and East Tamaki – the practical reality is that it is cheaper and effective to travel by car than face train and bus cancellations, especially for the working poor.”
Apulu concludes, “We are here to make sure that our people’s voices are heard loud and clear. Transport Planning must apply an equity lens to address long standing gaps and challenges for areas that continue to be underserved.”
The RTLP sets out the projects, programmes, and activities that Auckland Transport, along with NZTA Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail are seeking to fund, or partly fund, from the National Land Transport Fund. It proposes $63 billion worth of investment in transport over the next 10 years.
The statutory role of local boards within the development of the RLTP is to provide a community perspective.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board's advocacy efforts were prominently featured in the influential blog Greater Auckland, highlighting the board’s efforts on behalf of the community, and shining a spotlight on equity for South Auckland. Read about it here.
For details of the board’s agenda go here.
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