Preferred option

How this option was developed

Four different packages, or initial strategic options, were developed to test which one - if any - would meet our targets for 2040.

These are:

Strategic Option 1: Demand management - involves "pushing" people away from motor vehicle use, particularly through greater use of public transport, walking and cycling by the use of tools such as road pricing and parking management.

Strategic Option 2: Mixed investment - involves continuing the current strategy of improvement in all modes of transport, with some shift away from road investment.  It is the "business as usual" option.

Strategic Option 3: Public transport led change - involves "pulling" people away from cars with major additional public transport service and infrastructure improvements, supported by walking and cycling improvements.

Strategic Option 4: Quantum shift - involves a combination of the push factors from Option 1 and the pull factors from Option 3 (extensive public transport), together with a greater focus on intensifying land use around the Rapid Transit Network than was assumed in Options 1-3.

Each option was tested for results against desired national and regional outcomes and the economic forecast for the region. Although all four models met the New Zealand Transport Strategy's targets for walking and cycling, none could deliver on the targets for increasing use of public transport and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nor could they prevent increased road congestion.

The preferred strategic option is a composite of all four options.