Transport infrastructure is important not only for the connection of businesses to suppliers and the movement of freight, but also enabling employees to get to work. Public transport has a key role in enabling travel to major employment areas, particularly the central city, with significant funding from both central and local government.
With a focus on the state indicators, Auckland public transport has seen a steady and significant increase in patronage over the past ten years. Total patronage has more than doubled since the low point in the early 1990s, and has recently achieved its highest level since the late 1950s. In the year to 30 June 2013, patronage totalled just under 70 million passengers.
Of these 70 million, the vast majority travelled on the buses (approx 80%) with rail and ferries accounting for much smaller numbers.
However, public transport use has stabilised and declined over the last two years, with rail in particular falling behind forecast patronage targets.
An important consideration for public transport users is the reliability of the services. Reflecting the levels of investment that have been made and the focus on service improvements, the overall reliability and service levels for rail improved in 2012/13 over the previous year.
Looking at the pressure indicators, the Auckland Plan calls for a transformational shift in public transport to achieve the vision to become the world's most liveable city. The target it has set is a doubling of the number of passenger trips over the next ten years (from 70m to 140m).
Achieving this will be challenging, requiring both additional funding and a close integration between the land use outcomes in the AUP and the proposed public transport services.