• Improving public transport
• Completing the network
• Digital Auckland
• Destination Auckland
• CBD and Waterfront
• Building communities
• Growth through skills

Improving public transport

A world-class public transport system will help reduce the adverse effects of high car ownership/use, lessen the impact on residents of high world fuel prices, and provide an attractive choice for travel across the region, in both rural and urban areas. More people will enjoy the benefits of living in high-amenity, accessible urban centres where they can bus, train, ferry, cycle or walk to work, shops, education and recreational activities.

Significant initiative

The Auckland Urban Rail Network is planned to be electrified and the diesel-powered trains operating between Swanson, the Central Business District and Papakura (including the proposed new Manukau Rail Link and Onehunga Branch Line) will be replaced. As well as providing increased connectivity, this initiative will support the further development of public transport networks and is key for other significant projects to proceed, including the proposed CBD rail loop.

Connected initiatives

A major upgrade of the existing rail network, including double-tracking of the western line, a new connection to Manukau, the reopening of the Onehunga line, and new stations at Newmarket and New Lynn, is already underway as part of the Developing Auckland's Rail Transport Network project.

Integrating land use activities with a revitalised rail network will maximise the benefits for surrounding communities. An electrified public transport network supports the Regional Growth Strategy as well as the Auckland Sustainability Framework and will reinforce the rejuvenation of town centres along the rail network. Responses are underway to maximise use of this investment, including new greenfield development in Takanini and regeneration in New Lynn, Henderson and Manukau.

Infrastructure and services will be developed to provide a faster, more reliable and convenient public transport system. Improvements will be made to existing rail, bus and ferry networks including through the use of integrated fares and ticketing.

Funding and timelines

Planned public transport	Projects	Agencies	Total anticipated cost ($m)	Funding Status	Timeline
Central Government	Below track costs including construction of tracks, signalling, power	Kiwirail	500	Funded through regional fuel levy	2008-2013
	Operational costs	LTNZ	1250		2008- 2016
Local Government	Above track costs including 35 Electric Multiple Units and storage	ARC /ARTA	494		2008-2013
	Other initiatives relating this programme	ACC / MCC / NSCC / PDC / RDC / WCC	219		2008-2018
	Operational costs	ACC /ARC / ARTA /FDC / MCC / NSCC / PDC / RDC / WCC	1075		2008-2016

Partner Agencies

Local government: Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, North Shore City Council, Papakura District Council, Rodney District Council, Waitakere City Council
Regional government: Auckland Regional Council
Central government: Ministry of Transport
Other partner agencies: Auckland Regional Council/Auckland Regional Transport Agency, Kiwirail