Latest update from WQ TMA July 2021

Latest update from WQ TMA July 2021

Free PT this Saturday, Matariki events, changes to ferry services, Poi making classes and more!

Free public transport this Saturday 3rd July 
 
On Saturday 3rd July all bus, train and most ferry services will be completely fare-free* all day.  Bring your friends and whānau for a day out and see the big changes being made in the city centre.  Matariki on the Waterfront being held in Silo Park on 3rd & 4th where the waterfront will come alive with a range of Matariki activities. 
Customers will need to use their AT HOP card. Face coverings are required on all PT service. 
*Excludes Waiheke and Devonport ferry services, and Skybus services.
 

Read more details here

Harbour crossing for walking & cycling confirmed  
 
The Government has confirmed plans for a brand-new cycling and walking bridge across the Waitematā Harbour - at an estimated cost of $685 million.  Transport Minister Michael Wood announced the project, which features a new standalone structure right next to the existing Harbour Bridge, on its east (city) side.  The project is now approved and funded - and is expected to take five years to consent and build. 
Read the full article by NZ Herald below.
  

New crossing confirmed

Check out the Matariki events  
 
Matariki signals the Māori New Year and begins with the rising of the star cluster of the same name.  Auckland, it's time to celebrate with over 20 special events and activations taking place on our waterfront up until July 11. From weaving workshops to large scale art displays, open air music, food events and retail spaces reimagined - there's something for everyone.
Check it all out in the link below

Check out Matariki events here

Changes to ferry services from 
Monday 5th July 
 
From 5 July 2021 Downtown Ferry Terminal 6 new piers will be opening for business.  As part of this there will be some changes from where ferry services operate.  AT has also renumbered the piers - there are now 14 piers.
Please click on the link below to see a map of the new numbers for all the piers and alterations to some timetables. 
​

More info on changes to ferry services here

Waterfront area improvements completed  
 
A new waterfront area opens for Aucklanders on 2nd July.  The whole area has been redesigned and rebuilt.  New public spaces connect the land and the sea and Quay Street has been reprioritized for people.  Six new ferry berths have been added to the new ferry terminal facilities.  
 
Click below to read more and view a video of the project.

Is driving the new smoking?  
 
Greater Auckland likens the changes needed in transport to the changes we have seen in smoking over the last few decades.  The article looks back on what our cities used to look like, including a network of trams (see image above) which were removed in favour of the private car.  Is it time to flip back and give priority to public transport and active modes? The article reflects on how smoking has changed - bans on advertising, no smoking in bars - all of which was criticized by some.  
Is it time for the same thing to happen to transport? 
 

Read the Greater Auckland article now

$37 billion investment for 
Regional Land Transport Plan 
 
$37 billion investment plan has been approved by the Board of Auckland Transport.  This record investment, is for the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP).  The 10-year plan focuses on areas which AT, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail will respond to help address the region’s transport challenges. The funds will be allocated as follows: 
49% PT and the environment, 24% strategic & local roads, 8% walking & cycling, 7% spatial priorities, 6% safety, 4% technology and optimisation. 
Read the thoughts of Greater Auckland in the link bleow.  

Read more on the RLTP here

Does your daily travel really harm the planet? 
 
This BBC article looks at ways of doing things differently.  How can we reduce the journeys we take or do we just all swap to EVs and carry on as usual?  Electric bikes give us the freedom to travel further and electric buses carry more for way less emissions - are these the solutions? Do we sit and wait for others to do something or should we all be divorcing from the family car.  
Read the full article by Jocelyn Timperley below.  
Image BEIS Conversion factors 2019/Javier Hirschfeld

Want help planning a new way to get to work?  
 
Auckland Transport (AT) are offering city centre workers assistance with planning their journeys to and from work.
AT can provide free personalized journey plans that could help employees find the best route to work.  Bus users will get updates of any changes and AT are offering a trial public transport pass, or walking/cycling equipment to anyone wanting to change the way they commute inot the city. It starts with a short survey so click the link below to get started.    
 

Find out more about better ways to commute here

Lots happening in VXV plaza  
 
Find out more about making Matariki pois in the handy free workshop. Learn about honey bees from the experts at Bees Up Top.  There are already bee hives on the top of the Air New Zealand building.  
Check out some great water saving tips or connect with the Rainbow Community right here in Wynyard Quarter.  
For full details check out the newsletter from VXV in the link below.

Full VXV newsletter here

Keep up to date by viewing the news and info section of the TMA website. 
Got something you want to share? Email us transportwq@yahoo.co.nz
 