Refreshing to see Auckland and Wellington collaborating on transport

For some time the Auckland Business Forum has been calling for an aligned, single Wellington-Auckland transport strategy and action plan:
• An agreed strategy that clearly sets out Auckland’s and Government’s immediate and next generation of transport investments.
• A package of short- and medium-term projects that focuses on removing congestion bottlenecks and improving access to where most Aucklanders live and work.

“It is therefore gratifying that Government and Auckland Council have reached agreement on the foundation principles on which they will build a single 30-year transport strategy over the next few months,” said Auckland Business Forum chairman, Michael Barnett.

He was commenting on the release today of the Foundation Report produced as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project.

The report clearly shows Auckland’s serious population growth impacts on the transport system, and especially the need for investment to address congestion and access to employment for people living in west and south Auckland – more than 20km from the city centre.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges’ reference to looking for an evidence-based strategy that takes politics out of transport planning and investment is exactly what is required, said Mr Barnett.

“As well as lifting our game in improving public transport, it was also reassuring to hear the message of intention to ensure the strategy gives has a strong focus on enabling freight distribution.”

By mid-year Auckland business expects to see a document setting out a single transport strategy with an agreed package of immediate projects that reduce congestion, supports economic growth and productivity, and guarantees access to employment and housing development areas, concluded Mr Barnett.

ENDS

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