Auckland Transport Funding

15 July 2013

Citizen's Transport Coalition (CTC) has broadly welcomed the Auckland Alternative Transport Funding Consensus Building Group's report on bridging Auckland's transport funding gap.

The report is the outcome of negotiation between different community groups and public feedback, and has included the option of a road pricing mechanism, either a motorway network charge or a cordon charge.

CTC spokesperson David Benson says road pricing reflects public feedback which generally favoured a user-pays charge. However, the feedback also made clear that affordable alternatives needed to be in place before such charges were introduced.

"A road pricing scheme would not only raise revenue but would also help manage congestion during the peak. But transport is not just about congestion, it is about mobility and access for everyone. The evidence from overseas is clear: if road pricing is to work, Auckland will first need to put in place significant and tangible improvements in walking and cycling infrastructure, and affordable public transport.

"The report makes clear the Consensus Building Group recognises not only that public transport must first be improved, but that safe, attractive and connected cycling and walking infrastructure must also be in place so people have a credible and viable alternative to using cars. Unless these changes are made, Aucklanders will just be paying extra to sit in traffic," said Mr Benson.

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