JOINT MEDIA RELEASE:
Auckland Regional Council and Auckland Regional Transport Authority

26 February 2007

Step in the right direction for Auckland Transport

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) today welcomed news that the government proposes changes to current public transport legislation.

Chair of ARTA’s Board, Brian Roche said, “This announcement by Government is a significant step forward in enabling ARTA to deliver on its key objectives of an integrated transport system for Auckland. The initiative also actively assists in the development and introduction of a single integrated ticket. It will provide a framework that more actively ensures the interest of the funders and the consumers are recognised.

“This is a very welcomed move by the Government. They have listened to what we are working to deliver for Aucklanders in the transport sector and have responded”. This initiative represents a critical step in the development of a new procurement framework and provides a new basis for ARTA’s ongoing relationship with its service providers.”

Chairman of the ARC, Michael Lee, says, “Aucklanders are investing heavily in developing an effective transport system for Auckland-over half of our regional rates spend. We are committed to giving them value for their investment. Under the current legislative model, we are not able to do that. Nearly half of Aucklanders are carried on services over which we have no influence in respect of service levels, on time performance and value for money.

“This decision means essential elements of the transport system we are working towards for Auckland can be coordinated. It also means that ratepayers can be more confident that the investment they are making in public transport is being well spent. The standards expected of the transport providers will now be easier to specify and enforce.”

Mr Roche says, “The key now is to review the detailed implications of the proposed legislative change. It is important that discussions continue with Government and the transport service providers to ensure we have a managed transition to the new procurement framework.

‘”We look forward to working with private operators in delivering an effective transport system for Auckland moving forward”.

ENDS

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