27 August 2015

Media release

Agreement on transport alignment agenda – “a welcome step forward”

The Government and Auckland Council agreement on Terms of Reference announced today on how they will work together to develop Auckland’s transport system is a welcome step forward for the City.

“Let’s hope it puts an end to Auckland-Wellington feuding on our transport priorities - a collaborative Wellington Auckland transport strategy and action plan is long overdue,” said Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett.

“Business and Aucklanders will welcome the strong shared commitment to focus on solutions that reduce congestion.”

“I look forward to the spirit of cooperation being extended to ensure that the business community and other key stakeholder parties have input to the work proposed on how the transport system needs to develop to enable Auckland’s fast-paced economic growth and development in the next three decades and beyond.”

With Auckland expected to need 400,000 houses over the next 30 years, it is pleasing that this agreement locks in Auckland Wellington transport interests to work together on preparing and implementing a single agreed transport infrastructure investment strategy to meet this demand.

It is also important that the terms of reference include recognition that a shift to a demand management approach and much improved transport system management will be needed in the future, concluded Mr Barnett.

ends

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