Integrated transport - Way to Go!

The Auckland Commuter Challenge, coordinated by Cycle Action Auckland, is a practical demonstration of how transport in the region is not about a single mode.

Councillor Catherine Harland, Chair of the Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee, today congratulated the organisers for creating an event that challenges all Aucklanders to think about the very many ways we travel about.

"While travel by car, as a driver or passenger, is the dominant means of getting to work, education or recreational activities, if every bus, train or ferry user abandoned their trips on a typical weekday we would add another 56,500 cars to our already clogged roads," says Ms Harland. "That's a queue of cars that would stretch from Auckland to New Plymouth."

All the key stakeholders have agreed to the delivery of an integrated transport solution, as adopted in the Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy. The strategy, published in July 2003, outlines an integrated transport network of roads, passenger transport services and measures to encourage people to choose options other than cars for some of their trips around the region.

"Projects are underway that deliver upon all three legs of the RLTS stool - roads, passenger transport and travel demand management," says Ms Harland. "There are significant state highway projects underway, along with major upgrades for rail, enhancements for buses and ferries and walking and cycling projects."

Alternative travel modes are at the core of the Auckland Regional Council's Way to Go! campaign being undertaken in West Auckland. Thirty-seven per cent of the 3,900 residents contacted in the New Lynn, Kelston and Glen Eden requested personalised travel plans, including bus and train timetables, information for first time users of public transport, plus local walking and cycling maps.

"It's all about providing information and making changes on the ground such as the New Lynn Transport Centre makeover, on-road bus timetables, and improved pedestrian facilities that make it easier for people to use alternatives other than a car," says Ms Harland.

Way to go! is a 12-month pilot project running in Waitakere to help ease congestion and improve air quality. The project was developed by the ARC as part of the Big Clean Up transport campaign, in partnership with Waitakere City Council, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

The 'Auckland Commuter Challenge' draws attention to differences in travel times between the various transport modes and will generate interest and debate about alternative travel modes.

"If this helps make tangible the regional vision for the future which includes safe cycling, clean-on time public transport, consistent travel times by road and safe well lit walking routes then we are on our way with an integrated solution and - that's the Way to Go!" says Ms Harland.

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