Latest update from WQ TMA June 2022

See more on a $15mill Innovation Fund, a new Harbour Bridge Park & Lower Albert Street upgrades. 

 

TravelWise Choices newsletter 

 

Applications for Waka Kotahi's $15million Innovation Fund are now open. NZTA want to find new and quicker ways to respond to the challenges facing the land transport sector such as climate change, reducing emissions, reducing impacts from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transport system, encouraging mode shift, improving road safety outcomes, and providing accessible and equitable transport for New Zealanders.  The fund has been launched to find innovators who can help address the issues outlined above. 

Anyone from the private sector can apply

applications are open now until 5pm on 4th July 2022. 

Also in the TravelWise Choices newsletter AT look at two new shared paths, in New Lynn and between Orakei Basin and Glen Innes and ongoing bike skills courses. 

 
Read more about the INNOVATION FUND and the newsletter in full here
 

Results from the Staff Travel and Ferry surveys are in 

 

Nearly 4,000 people took part in a survey of staff earlier in the year. Staff were asked how and why they commuted the way they did.  35% of people said they usually travelled by bus with 34% choosing to drive.  56% of people indicated they would like to work from home 1 or 2 days per week.  

The Ferry Survey focused on if new services were introduced what would the uptake be. 72% of respondents said they may use ferry services that connect to and from the area.  Most would like to use any new ferries as part of their commute. The data collected will be used to plot changes in commuting patterns, identifying gaps in public transport provision and ways to encourage sustainable commuting.   

A BIG THANKS to all businesses and individuals who took part.  

 
Read the summary of resuts for the Staff Travel Survey and Ferry Survey here
 

Harbour Bridge Park upgrade

 

Creating a new green public space that connects Point Erin and the waterfront will provide increased opportunities for everyone to access the water and connect to Wynyard Quarter and beyond.  The cultural heritage of the area will be recognised and native planting will be encouraged.  A new space will be created under the Harbour Bridge and called the Harbour Bridge Plaza.  Shelter and shade will be enhanced and the current dominance of vehicles reduced. There will be short stay public parking and some changes to the current road layout.  Eke Panuku and the Local Board will be  undertaking public engagement shortly with work on the project due to start in April 2023.  

 
Take a look at the thinking behind this project here
 

Would you like to be part of the decision making in Auckland? 

 

Auckland Council is the level of government closest to the community. From transport to infrastructure, libraries to sporting facilities, emergency management to parks through to waste and environmental protection, Auckland council plays a vital role in our community.

Auckland’s local elections are on Saturday 8 October.  If you think you know what  Aucklanders need and want now is the time to step up. There are many positions available.  

If you care about Auckland and want to make a difference why not stand as a candidate in the local elections. 

Nominations open 15 July 2022 and close 12 August 2022.

 
Read more about the local elections in Auckland here
 

Climate Action Targeted rate voted in by Council 

 

.Auckland Council has passed its' annual Budget and has approved the introduction of a new targeted rate to help tackle climate change. The average rates increase will be 5.6% this figure includes the Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR). One third of Auckland Councillors voted against the budget package which has a $57million annual climate component.

Auckland has set a goal of reducing transport emissions by 64% by 2030.  

Todd Niall from Stuff comments on the political unity needed to deliver on climate action. Read more in the link below.

 
Read more on the CATR from Stuff here
 

50% off PT extended until end of August

 

The Government has announced that the scheme to give 50% off public transport fares in Auckland will be extended until

31 August 2022. 

Now is a great time to try out pubic transport for your commute. All you need is an AT HOP card, if you don't already have one these are also half price.   Some exclusion apply and the discount does not apply to Waiheke and tourist ferries (Rakino, Rangitoto etc) but the Devonport  ferry is included.  If you travel off peak you will get a further 10% off. 

If you would like help planning your commute email us

transportwq@outlook.com

 

 
Read all about 50% off public transport here
 

Bike Auckland take a look bike infrastructure in Auckland

 

Bike Auckland reports that there is cause for celebration as more cycleway projects came to completion and improvements made in the past year. With more in the starting blocks, Auckland is inching closer to prioritising more active modes of transport. Some of these projects were conceived five years ago as part of the Urban Cycleway Programme. 

However, there is concern Auckland’s cycling future is being built only through high-cost projects. More work is needed on the existing streets, rather than try and build cycleways only when they have no impact on car drivers. 

 

 
Read the Bike Auckland comments in full now
 

Lower Albert Street upgrade plans 

 

Work to upgrade the Lower Albert Street bus interchange has now begun.  Improvements will include weather protected, high-quality bus shelters and seats to improve customers’ experience of using public transport. Construction is expected to be completed in November 2022.  AT have reported that the project team will work hard to minimise disruption to bus services, commuters and local stakeholders, while maintaining high levels of safety for pedestrians, vehicles and large equipment onsite. 

Stuff takes a look at the project - read their thoughts below.

 

 
Read the article from Stuff on the planned changes here
 

Matariki ki te Manawa

 

Taking place during winter every year, Matariki signals the Māori New Year and begins with the rising of the star cluster of the same name.

Tāmaki Makaurau will be celebrating with over 25 special events and activations taking place in the heart of the city from June 21 to July 16, including this year’s headline attraction – Pakiata Matariki – a large-scale projected light show on the Chief Post Office building every evening from June 24. 

Check out the full and very exciting line-up below and start planning your celebrations today. 

 
Check out the unmissable Matariki events now
 

Why are the roads in France safer than the US?  

 

A Bloomberg article states that today, the average US resident is around three times as likely to die while travelling on a highway or street than a French resident.

The report comments that in the period between 1970's and 1990's the two countries had similar numbers of traffic deaths.  There are a number of factors including automated speed camera enforcement in France, along with investment in pedestrianization, that have increased deaths in the US. The French have also actively encouraged cycling and walking. 

 
Read the full Bloomberg article here

Check out our news items and keep up to date

Got something you want to share? Email us transportwq@outlook.com

 

Email us transportwq@outlook.com
Phone 022 025 2720

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