17 May 2006

Eastern Transport Initiative Group Moves Project Forward

The re-scoped Eastern Transport initiative will see a big emphasis on passenger transport, travel demand management and local arterial roads built in a ‘liveable, boulevard’ style, according to the steering group.

Auckland and Manukau City Councils, along with their partner ARTA (Auckland Regional Transport Authority) on Wednesday (10th May) endorsed two initiatives through the AMETI (Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative) steering group.

The steering group voted to endorse the preparation of in depth reports on passenger transport and travel demand management.

“These should be completed around August 2006, and they’ll provide us with the insight we need into planning for a much bigger emphasis on passenger transport in the East, as well as options for travel demand management,” says Chairman of AMETI’s steering group, Manukau City Councillor David Collings.

The steering group also endorsed a recommendation that Auckland City proceed with allocating a sum of $1.035 million from its capital budget for preliminary arterial road design for buses and private vehicles. (The allocation has been recommended to Auckland City’s Transport and Urban Linkages Committee which will meet on 29 May, 5pm). These roads lead to hubs where there is a choice of public transport, including rail. It is recommended that Auckland City would focus on the area encompassing Sylvia Park, the Mt Wellington Quarry, Glen Innes and Panmure in this design.

“This is about asking the right questions in a 21st century context. We have a strong joint commitment from both Auckland and Manukau Councils and we are working with ARTA who is also committed to see this delivered in an accelerated way,” says Chair of Auckland City’s Transport Committee Richard Simpson. “Both Councils and ARTA are working very well together to achieve improvement and unlock potential in the area.”

The Eastern Transport Initiative is a complete re-scoping of the original transport plans for the area. It focuses now on passenger transport, local arterial roads (not highways) and travel demand management.

ENDS

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