RLTS 2010 Summary Document
Foreword
The opening of Britomart in 2003 marked a turning point in the revival of public transport in Auckland. The station represented a cornerstone in public transport development, underpinning subsequent investment that the rest of the transport network could aspire to.
The 2005 Regional Land Transport Strategy supported the vision of a revitalised transport system, led by investment in public transport. Significant progress has been made in the past five years to deliver an integrated, safe, affordable, responsive and sustainable land transport system that supports Auckland as a thriving, high quality city-region. This 2010 strategy builds on the momentum already generated and continues to be led by investment in public transport.
The Government has a priority of developing national roads. Roads have their place in any transport system but so do trains, buses and ferries especially in urban environments. In fact, the greatest beneficiaries of increased public transport patronage are road users. Additionally, w here there has been investment in public transport and walkable town centres there has been economic development and job creation.
A balanced investment is needed to cope with the forces of change facing Auckland, such as population growth, resource depletion and climate change. A balanced investment includes effective integration of transport with the development of a more compact urban form, educating people away from reliance on cars by making it easy to choose other transport options and reducing the impacts of the transport network on the environment.
I thank all those involved in creating this strategy. Dedication, vision and the willingness to listen to what Aucklanders say they want are its defining qualities. We continue to welcome comments and feedback from the public and stakeholders on the direction and priorities contained in this strategy, before it is formally adopted in April 2010.
Cr Christine Rose
Chair: Regional Transport Committee
Auckland Regional Council