New era begins for Auckland’s transport system

Auckland’s new transport governance, planning and delivery arrangements will be in effect from tomorrow, restoring democratic accountability and resetting how transport decisions are made in Auckland, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say. “These reforms deliver on the Government’s commitment to restore democratic accountability and give Auckland Council the responsibility it needs to lead transport planning and decision-making for the city,” Mr Bishop says. “For 16 years, Auckland Transport has performed transport functions that local councils manage elsewhere in New Zealand. That has meant Auckland Council hasn’t had the say it needs to set the direction for Auckland’s transport system. “Once the transition is complete, responsibility for most local transport functions will be shifted to Auckland Council, including transport policy and planning, delivery of transport projects, maintenance of transport infrastructure, and road controlling authority responsibilities. “Auckland Transport will become a smaller and more streamlined council-controlled organisation focused on providing public transport services in Auckland. “These changes mean elected member