18 May 2005
Draft strategy approved for consultation
The future vision for transport in the Auckland region is about to go out for public consultation and Aucklanders are
encouraged to have their say.
The Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee (RLTC) yesterday approved the Draft Regional Land Transport Strategy
(RLTS) to go out for public consultation, enabling Aucklanders to have their say on the way $10.7 billion is spent on
their transport network over the next ten years.
"This is a major milestone in achieving our goal of delivering the Regional Land Transport Strategy by the end of this
year," says Committee Chair, Cr Joel Cayford.
Legislation passed last year requires a review of the Auckland region's Land Transport Strategy, including a new 10-year
plan, to be completed by the end of 2005. New transport legislation also specifically requires consideration of the
objectives of economic development, access and mobility, safety and security, public health and environmental
sustainability.
These legislative changes dictate that the strategy cannot mention specific roading or public transport projects, but
that it focus on the strategic direction for transport.
Cr Cayford says that the Draft RLTS 2005 sets regional objectives and policies to provide a framework for the region's
transport implementation agencies, such as Transit NZ and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), to operate
under.
"It outlines a number of strategic options for improving transport in Auckland over the next 10 years, involving
differing emphasis on road improvements, public transport and travel demand management," he says.
The RLTC has adopted a 'High Passenger Transport' option for the draft strategy. The committee's preferred option
includes the following key points: · Increased provision of public transport, with improvements to bus and ferry
services as well as continued upgrading of rail
· Continued expenditure on completing the strategic road network
· Continued development of travel demand management, including measures such as walking school buses, business travel
plans and support for walking and cycling
· Provision for additional spending on safety related road improvements · Provision for additional spending on improving
the operation of regional arterial roads
A detailed outline of all of the options, or combinations of expenditure, that were considered will be included in the
consultation material, and members of the public will be able to comment on their preference.
The draft strategy and summary document will be available in mid-June. Members of the public will be able to download
the strategy, the summary and supporting information from the ARC website, or will be able to contact the ARC on 09 366
2000 to receive information by post.
Submissions will close mid-August and hearings will take place in early September.
ENDS