Introduction

This draft Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) sets the direction for the region's transport system for the next 30 years. It supports Auckland's vision as a great and successful society, economy and environment.

The challenges

By 2051, the region's population will almost double, to around 2.3 million people. Continuing our current travel habits would result in an extra 1.25 million trips being made by car and an extra 60,000 trips by public transport each day, by 2040.

We can't build twice the road capacity to meet double the demand for car travel. Just 4.5km of new road required to complete the Western Ring Route at Waterview is costing $1.4 billon. There are a number of other reasons to reduce our reliance on cars including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using energy efficiently and promoting more active lifestyles.

The solutions

We must make better use of what we already have and invest in a range of transport solutions - public transport, walking and cycling, behaviour change initiatives and roads.

Transport improvements need to be led by public transport and supported by five other strategic priorities that will make it easier for people to choose more sustainable transport options and reduce the impact of transport on the environment.

Use of public transport in the past year has been higher than in any year since 1985. Rail usage has risen 97 per cent over the past five years. It's vitally important we continue the momentum already generated, to get on with priority projects that will make a significant difference across the region.

To deliver on this strategy will require a shift in how local and national funding is currently allocated between roads and public transport.

Tell us what you think

There is no silver bullet to Auckland's transport challenges but the draft RLTS provides a plan to address them.  We want to know what you think, so please make a submission.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 18 December 2009.

Why we need a new strategy

This RLTS 2010 replaces the RLTS 2005. A new strategy is required because there have been changes since 2005 in both legislation and the issues facing Auckland.

Government decisions have altered the duration of the strategy, introduced national targets the region is expected to work towards, and altered the way transport funding is being prioritised.

This strategy addresses a renewed emphasis on economic growth and productivity plus strengthening concerns about transport's contribution to climate change and its use of non-renewable energy sources.

The Land Transport Management Act 2003 requires the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to prepare a new RLTS to be approved by the Auckland Regional Council by the end of April 2010. Government transport agencies are required to take into account the RLTS while Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is required to give effect to the RLTS.