Auckland transport will be driven by Mayor and Council, not ‘CCO’

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says Auckland transport decisions will be driven by the Mayor and Council, not an unelected, appointed board of the transport agency being established by the government, if he becomes the new Mayor of Auckland City.

“Transport is a key issue for Aucklanders. I am campaigning on a strong commitment to public transport, a second harbour crossing, and completing the roading network. Auckland needs need a 21st century transportation system. The Mayor has a statutory responsibility to provide a vision for transport, and Aucklanders will expect the Mayor to deliver on that.

“One of my first priorities, if elected, will be to appoint new directors t Auckland Transport, and to rewrite its statement of intent. I would insist on there being a direct report into the Mayor’s office, and a close relationship with the new Council’s transport committee. As Mayor, I will expect to be seeing all reports and all board papers.

“Transport in Auckland has long suffered from a lack of funding and a lack of long-term planning and commitment. We have the opportunity to make decisions which will result in a transport system worthy of New Zealand’s largest city.

“Auckland’s ratepayers will be holding the new mayor and council to account for the commitments which will be made around transport. If the mayor and council are going to make good on the commitments they make, they will need direct oversight.”

ENDS

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