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Kiwis willing to pay

New Zealanders living in Auckland are willing to pay more for improved public transport network

Aucklanders are willing to pay for better transport solutions, according to a Colmar Brunton poll.

The city has become infamous for its traffic and public transport problems, as increasing house prices push people further away from where they work – putting the existing transport network under increased pressure.

Almost 60 per cent say they are prepared to pay more to improve Auckland’s transport system, compared to less than a third who are happy with the current system.

New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development CEO Stephen Selwood says he is not surprised by the findings, as many spend more time than they should traveling to and from work.

“Colmar Brunton’s survey of Auckland views on transport investment demonstrates a strong willingness to pay for better outcomes,” he says.

“The onus now is on the Auckland Council and Government to agree on objectives and deliver an aligned transport investment, land use, pricing and funding strategy.

“The goal is to reduce congestion and support the shift to public transport.”

Fifty-seven per cent prefer that new transport funding is levied through a $2 average motorway charge, while 31 per cent support new investment through increases to rates and fuel taxes.

The survey questioned over 5000 respondents through February and March this year.

“The Auckland Council has successfully brought Aucklanders over the line on the need to invest more in transport and even identified a mechanism to fund that investment,” Selwood says.

“However, there remains substantial work to do to ensure that additional investment meets the expectations of residents and the government.”

An earlier Colmar Brunton survey indicated that the top two priorities for residents is for the council to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion.

“Congestion is not projected to improve beyond delivery of the Waterview Connection and in fact will deteriorate significantly beyond 2025,” Selwood says.

“That’s not what residents are thinking when they agree to open their wallets.

“The Auckland Council and Government must get round the table and agree an optimum demand management, land use and investment strategy.

“If the Government and Council can reach an accord on transport and urban development… we have a very good chance of delivering the world’s most liveable city.”

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