The issue - an overview

A greater availabiltiy of sustainable transport options is a priority for cities of the future, not only to reduce traffic congestion, but also in order to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 50 percent by 2050 (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2011). While many cities understand the importance of reducing their reliance on private motor vehicles, it is not yet an agenda that is heavily embraced world wide. For most cities traffic growth has been continuous and appears to be unstoppable. However, managing the growth of car use and their associated fossil fuel consumption is an essential means of enahcing a cities liveability and reducing its ecological footprint.


When rates of fuel consumption by private motor vehicles is compared throughout 84 cities around the world, there is significant variation which suggests that there is a very large difference in how cities use cars. A number of studies have concluded that these variations have little to do with climate, culture or politics, and even income, but instead have a lot to do with the physical planning decisions that are made in those cities (Newman, P. 2009). Within the urban planning profession there is an increased awareness that transport will only be sustainable if there is a greater focus on street planning for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as infrastructure priorities, especially the relative commitment to public transport compared to cars.


Traffic congestion in China (China Digitrends. 2011). A typical Moscow street at any time of the day (Filipponio, F. 2007).


Public transport in Auckland consists of three main modes - bus, train and ferry. Although Auckland was historically well served by public transport in the form of an extensive tram system, its dismantlement in the 1950’s along with the decision not to electrify the rail network, led to a downward spiral in both public support and use. (Auckland Transport. 2011).

However, as Auckland's population continues to grow, it is clear that better and more sustainable transport solutions are required in order to accommodate the needs of current and future generations. A number of major projects have been established in recent years to improve the effectiveness of public transport. These include small-scale initiatives such as bus priority measures and large-scale bus infrastructure projects. As a result, public transport use grew by 8.3% in a year leading up to 2011. (Auckland Transport. 2011).


The Northern Busway is New Zealand's first purpose built road dedicated to bus passenger transport, and forms a key part of Auckland's rapid transit network. Opened in 2008, it has become the spine of an extensive bus-based public transport system, linking North Shore City with Auckland CBD.

North Shore Northern Busway

Auckland’s CBD rail tunnel, improved rail capacity and the creation of several new stations has been argued the city’s most important future transport project. It will provide improved efficiency and capacity and accommodate twice as many passengers than the current facilities can. 

Auckland's current rail system, and future additions.

Despite these achievements, Auckland still ranks low in terms of public transport use. An average Auckland resident will use public transport approximately 41 times a year while an average Wellingtonian resident will use these services 91 times a year.

I am a regular user of public transport as it allows me to get to uni conveniently each day without facing the burdens that lace public roads and motorways. As a regular user it has also become clear to me that there are a number of factors that prevent Auckland’s effective public transportation systems’ from reaching their full potential.

I believe that the main issue revolves around the fact that Auckland’s public transport is not government owned and operated. MAXX Transport is a private organisation and their primary focus will clearly be on maximising profit margins, rather than providing a fully functional, integrated public transportation system. This blog will discuss the issues, solutions and case study examples that may help Auckland to realise its potential, break this habit of planning for today and not tomorrow. I will also be discussing what Auckland must do if it is to truly become the worlds most liveable city. (Auckland Council, 2011).


Ideas from:
http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/tar/wg2/index.php?idp=182
http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/improving-transport/completed-projects/RapidTransit/Pages/TheNorthernBusway.aspx
http://blog.islandpress.org/author/peternewman