Practical solutions to transport problems welcomed
09 August 2001

The Auckland Transport Action Group’s (ATAG) paper to assist the region in driving the implementation of transport initiatives has been meet with resounding enthusiasm at today’s meeting of the ARC’s Transport Committee.

ATAG is a group of Auckland business leaders and public sector CEO’s who have been working together to find practical short-term actions to speed up work on the region’s infrastructure. ATAG advocates wider powers for the Regional Land Transport Committee (RLTC – the committee that sets the regional strategy for transport) to develop a focused, five-year programme for infrastructure that can draw together transport priorities, funding arrangements and resource management processes.

Auckland Regional Council Chairman, Phil Warren expressed his strong support for the ATAG proposals, which aim for a more streamlined process to assist the region in implementing the key components of the Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) with a sense of urgency and speed.

“The proposals highlighted in the paper are sensible and achievable,” commented Cr. Warren. “It’s not going to turn the world around by introducing a new structure, but that is part of the appeal – the proposals specify realistic initiatives to get real progress while using our existing structures. With the involvement of government and supporting agencies we can make a real difference.

“For too long we’ve been hamstrung by a lack of clear responsibility for implementing our transport plans in this region. I believe ATAG’s proposals will allow us to focus on key transport priorities for roading and public transport and ensure that the responsible organisations are given the authority to get on with the job. They also ensure that we have a strategic approach to the allocation of transport funding.”

RLTC Chairman, Les Paterson is also keen to see the changes put in place. “The proposals to streamline processes and designate more power to the RLTC are welcomed,” he commented. “While previous committees have been a good example of the region working together, they’ve lacked authority to ensure the strategies are put in place on the ground. I believe the ATAG paper is a very positive step in this direction, and I would encourage government and local authorities to give it their support.

“We will invite the Transport Minister and Associate Transport Minister to meet and discuss the proposals,” said Cr. Paterson. A meeting will also be scheduled to present the paper’s key components to all Auckland MP’s.

ENDS

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