My Account
New government transport policy will see bus services reduced and fares increased, according to Auckland Council.
At an extraordinary Transport and Infrastructure Committee meeting on March 27, councillors supported council’s submission on the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024. The draft GPS sees a 10 percent reduction in national public transport funding compared to 2021.
Auckland Transport (AT) chief financial officer Mark Laing said his greatest concern was AT’s ability to keep running bus services after June.
“We have about a $142 million shortfall in government funding – you actually end up losing a substantial portion of your funding for public transport. It would take about a 130 percent increase in fares to plug the gap,” Laing said.
He said council would have to either scale back services or dip into council funds.
“My underlying concern is at what point would people stop travelling. A train trip from the CBD to South Auckland at peak times is currently $7. At what point does that become unaffordable? Is it $10? Is it $15? At what point do people stop travelling or revert to cars?”
Councillors largely supported council’s submission and expressed concern about Aucklanders who would be impacted by reduced services and increased fares.
Cr Shane Henderson said cuts to public transport would hit suburban communities, Māori and Pasifika communities, and those close to the poverty line.
“We are talking about an up to 136 percent rise – if this gets passed as is, it will take money out of the pockets of Aucklanders in a crisis or it will rip away their opportunity for transport choice. Probably some combination of both,” Henderson said.
Cr Richard Hills said the cuts to public transport would have a crippling effect on the back pockets of all Aucklanders.
“You can bet the 90 people that were on the bus with me this morning, half of them will not be able to afford the $10 each way to get to the city. I think $4.45 is already too expensive,” Hills said.
Cr Josephine Bartley said once congestion charges came into effect, the lack of public transport would hit Aucklanders hard.
“There’s no real investment in public transport infrastructure through this GPS,” Bartley said.
Cr Chris Darby said the draft GPS appeared to be written by someone looking to the past.
“My plea to government is to dispense with the advisers that have brought you this advice – there are people advising the government who look like Automobile Association old boys, 1960s vintage,” Darby said.
He said the great cities of the future were basing transport systems around public transport, walking and cycling.
Cr Maurice Williamson disagreed with the submission and called it tone deaf.
“Do we want the government to listen and make changes, or do we want to start preaching from the political pulpit having speeches that make us feel good and excite ourselves, and have them listen to nothing?” Williamson asked.
The submission was carried, with Crs Maurice Williamson, Sharon Stewart and Ken Turner voting against, Cr Daniel Newman recording dissent on parts, and Cr Mike Lee abstaining.
