Changing transport delivery in Auckland: Transport reform

Transport reform in Auckland

The government and Auckland Council are proposing changes to how transport is governed, planned and delivered in Auckland. These changes are known as transport reform.

Why this is happening

In 2025, the government agreed to make changes to transport legislation to give Auckland Council more control over transport decisions in Auckland.

It also agreed to a smaller council-controlled organisation (CCO) focused on delivering public transport services. The rest of Auckland Transport’s current responsibilities will move to Auckland Council.

The government has released draft legislation (a bill) to enable these changes. Auckland Council has provided feedback on this bill.

What transport reform will do

Transport reform will:

• change the way Auckland Council and the government work together and plan transport, with new 10-year and 30-year plans
• create a CCO focused on reliable, efficient and safe public transport
• plan transport and development together to support regional growth
• clarify who makes transport decisions and at what level.

What happens next

The government is expected to finalise the legislation sometime between March and May 2026. There will then be a six-month transition period to set up the new CCO and move other functions into Auckland Council.

During the transition period, a transport CCO with most of Auckland Transport’s current powers and functions will continue. A temporary board will be created for the transition period.

If the law is approved in March 2026, the transition period could end around September 2026.

Other upcoming decisions

Over the next few months, Auckland Council will:

• finalised the legally required transition plan to guide the changes
• confirm how the new public transport CCO and council will be designed
• approve organisational structures and staffing
• create a new board for the public transport CCO
• complete any other steps required before the new arrangements begin.