Auckland's proposed public transport system
A summary of the draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2023-2031
We've been listening to Aucklanders and have developed short-and long-term plans to improve public transport.
Now's it's time to tell us if we're on the right track.
Produced 2023 by Accessible Formats Service, Blind Low Vision NZ, Auckland.
Transcriber's Notes
If reading this etext on a portable braille device, please note that it is unproofed by touch.
Page numbers have been omitted as per the print from this etext edition.
Maps are omitted and information from the maps have been listed.
Auckland's proposed public transport system
A quick overview
What's the purpose of this summary?
To provide an overview of the key issues and initiatives covered in the draft Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP). The aim of this document is to highlight things from the plan that Aucklanders are likely to be most interested in.
To view the full RPTP document please visit AT.govt.nz/rptp
How can you get involved?
We want to hear your thoughts on our draft short-and longer-term plans for public transport (PT). Your feedback will influence our final plan.
We've heard your frustrations about the PT system, and we are working to address them.
Let us know if we're on the right track.
If you don't have time to read our proposals, you can still share your thoughts by completing the general question in our online survey.
Here's how you can have your say:
Online Survey: AT.govt.nz/rptp
Contact us to request a freepost hardcopy feedback form
Email: rptp@at.govt.nz
Verbal feedback: call us or talk to us in-person
Give your views until Sunday 13 August 2023.
Want to talk to us?
Phone: (09) 355 3553
Email: rptp@at.govt.nz
Talk to us in person: visit AT.govt.nz/rptp for details
Box:
Key phrases and abbreviations
PT = Public Transport (trains, buses, ferries, and on-demand services)
RPTP = Regional Public Transport Plan
Rapid Transit Network = The network of PT services that operate:
• at least every 15 mins, 7am-7pm, 7 days a week
• on routes which are separated from general traffic, such as rail lines, the Northern Busway, and the Eastern Busway.
Frequent Transit Network = The network of PT services that operate:
• at least every 15 mins, 7am-7pm, 7 days a week
• on routes that are not fully separated from general traffic, but often have some form of priority such as bus lanes.
End Box.
Why we need to invest in PT
It's not sustainable or efficient to grow Auckland in a way that is heavily reliant on private vehicles and ever-widening roads to get around. Such an approach results in many negative effects such as lack of genuine travel choices, increasing traffic congestion, communities dominated by roads and traffic, increasing costs and space requirements to upgrade roads to accommodate growth, more emissions and pollution, and more deaths and serious injuries.
We need a frequent, efficient, reliable, and safe PT network that provides an attractive travel option for Aucklanders.
This is how Aucklanders are using PT
• Aucklanders primarily use PT for travelling to work and education, particularly to get to the city centre. Trips on PT for other purposes are more occasional, primarily to entertainment or social events.
• Most regular users only make a handful of trips per week. Daily users are only 11% of our customers.
• Younger Aucklanders (under 25) use PT the most. Usage declines with age, then rises amongst over 65's.
• Usage doesn't vary significantly by other demographics (e.g. age, gender, ethnicity).
• Usage is highest in central areas (the isthmus and lower North Shore).
• Wealthier households use PT more.
• PT is used for medium-distance trips. This is where PT is most competitive with cars. Shorter trips aren't worth the wait for PT, while longer trips can't compete with car travel times.
• Two key factors influence the decision to use PT:
—Travel time—this includes service frequency and reliability which influence overall journey time.
—Cost—Where PT is cheaper than parking it can represent good value for money, but not where driving is faster and cheaper.
• Impact of 50% fares—43% of existing users travelled more by PT. 5% of non-users travelled, or considered travelling, by PT.
To get to this point we've heard from over 2,000 Aucklanders and held several workshops with key interest groups.
Now it's time for everyone to share their thoughts.
About our plan for PT
Overview
The RPTP is out plan for public transport, it continues:
• How PT will be managed and improved over the next 8 years, with a detailed focus on the first 3 years.
• The PT services that will operate during this time period and how they will change.
• The goals, policies and actions that will shape PT.
• How we will monitor the performance of the PT system and check it is meeting Aucklanders' expectations.
What we want to achieve
Vision
To massively increase public transport use to reduce congestion, improve access for Aucklanders, support the economy and enhance the environment.
Vision is supported by goals and performance targets (Projects and initiatives that will achieve the RPTP Goals are outlined in the sections below.)
Goals
• Services providing an excellent customer experience
• Enhancing the environment and tackling the climate emergency
• Safe and accessible transport for everyone
• Integrating public transport into a growing Auckland
• Funding and delivering public transport transparently
What this means
Services providing an excellent customer experience
• Improved quality and number of services
• Public transport is efficient, frequent, reliable, and convenient
• Public transport is resilient and responsive to changes in demand
• Public transport adopts innovative approaches and integrates new technology
• All aspects of public transport provides an excellent customer experience
Enhancing the environment and tackling the climate emergency
• Reduced carbon emissions from transport through more people using public transport and a low emissions public transport system
• Public transport protects and restores biodiversity, water, and air quality
• Public transport is resilient to severe weather events
Safe and accessible transport for everyone
• Public transport reduces inequity, enabling people to access key social, economic, and cultural opportunities
• Public transport is accessible and safe (including for people with disabilities)
• Public transport provides Māori whānau, hapū, iwi and communities access to a range of cultural sites (such as marae and wāhi tapu)
Integrating public transport into a growing Auckland
• Public transport helps to create more compact, sustainable, and efficient development patterns
• New development areas are well connected to public transport
• Public transport enables and supports well-functioning urban environments
• Public transport is well connected with other transport modes
Funding and delivering public transport transparently
• Utilises community, and other, partnerships to better meet Aucklanders needs
• Sharing more data about the performance of public transport services
• Public transport supports Māori identity and Māori outcomes
• Procurement supports the efficient delivery of services and value for money
• Advocate for additional funding to current funding shortfalls
Key outcomes
Services providing an excellent customer experience
• An increase from 70 million to 150 million annual passenger boardings
• In 2031, 57% of the population are within 500m of a rapid or frequent PT service (currently 40%)
• 92% of PT services run on time (currently 87% run on time)
Enhancing the environment and tackling the climate emergency
• 47% reduction in carbon emissions from our PT services (compared to 2020/21)
• 50% reduction in carbon emission from fixed assets (compared to 2018/19)
• A 50% reduction in embodied carbon emissions (against 2021)
Safe and accessible transport for everyone
• No reduction in the % of population living within 500m of a PT stop (currently 90%)
• In 2031 65% of the population living in deprived socio-economic areas are within 500m of a rapid or frequent PT service (compared to 45% in 2023)
• More evening trips on key routes
Integrating public transport into a growing Auckland
• More walking and cycling trips to rapid transit stations
• More houses and businesses near PT stations
• Better management of park and rides
Funding and delivering public transport transparently
• Micro-mobility hire schemes are better integrated with PT, such as compatible payment options
• Continued use of Te Reo Māori in service announcements and way finding
• Continued use of Māori design principles in infrastructure such as stations
• In 2031, 100% of the routes across the region meet their patronage targets (compared to 65% in 2023)
RPTP time periods
Broadly improvements to the PT system will be delivered in one of three time periods.
Short-term (2023-2024)
• We're working to fix problems like bus driver shortages and service reliability
• Continued construction on existing projects like City Rail Link and the Eastern Busway
• Other "quick-win" initiatives like changes to PT fares, service improvements, and bus priority projects
Medium-term (2025-2031)
• Open projects like City Rail Link and the Eastern Busway. Modify the transport network to support these projects
• Initiatives like improved ferry services, more frequent buses and trains, new stations, and new bus priority projects
Long-term (beyond 2031)
• Our broader network ambitions and goals. Higher usage and operating a stronger, more integrated PT systemIf 
• If they receive funding, start construction on projects like Light Rail, Airport to Botany, and the Waitematā Harbour Crossing
More RPTP initiatives are outlined in the following sections.
Please note:
• Projects like Light Rail, Airport to Botany, and the Waitemata Harbour Crossing are not covered in detail in this RPTP because:
—They are not yet funded.
—If they do receive funding, they are unlikely to open by 2031. As such they will not influence the PT system within the time period of this plan.
—AT is involved in these projects to ensure they are developed in consideration of the wider PT system.
—The next RPTP revision will be in 2025 and, if necessary, it can cover these projects and their implications for the PT system.
What you've told us needs improving
We regularly conduct market research to better understand people's needs and frustrations, we also receive regular feedback from members of the public.
Below are the most common things people tell us about PT, and how we intend to tackle them.
Fix the current problems with PT urgently
There have been many issues recently, due to driver shortages and cancellations.
• We're working hard to fix these problems and get things back to where they were before the pandemic, this is our priority.
• We're on track to have the bus driver shortage fixed by the end of 2023.
• We're working with the government to raise wages and improve immigrations pathways for bus drivers and ferry skippers.
• KiwiRail's rebuild of the rail network will be complete by early 2026, reducing cancellations and disruptions.
Provide more frequent services
Most Aucklanders want to be able to just turn up and go, rather than planning journeys around timetables.
• 10 new frequent bus routes by 2027 (funded by Auckland Council’s Climate Action Targeted Rate) plus another three frequent routes by 2031.
• By 2026 trains will run every 7.5 minutes at peak travel times and every 15 minutes the rest of the day.
• More ferries operating on several routes by 2025.
Speed up travel times
While travel times are influenced by service frequency and reliability, these initiatives are focused on travel times once people get on the PT services.
• City Rail Link will speed up train journeys meaning twice as many people will be within 30 minutes of central Auckland.
• More bus lanes on key routes.
• More bus queue jumps and priority at intersections. For example buses running behind schedule will be able trigger a green traffic light.
Make fares cheaper
• A weekly fare cap that allows unlimited travel for a fixed price.
• Government funded half-price fares for under 25s and free fares for under 13s have already kicked-in.
Make improvements for people with accessibility needs
• Continue to implement our Accessibility Action Plan and funding of the Total Mobility Scheme
• Continued roll-out of audio announcements on buses
• Ongoing accessibility improvements to stops and other infrastructure.
Provide better communications and technology
• Passengers will be able to use credit cards to board PT (2025).
• AT HOP card will be replaced in 2026 when we move to the national ticketing system. One benefit of the new system is that it will enable online balance top-ups to take effect immediately.
• Improvements to the AT Mobile app and online channels to let you know things quickly.
• Better real-time service tracking information.
More train lines, more busways, build light rail
• City Rail Link will double the capacity of the rail network.
• Stages 2 and 3 of the Eastern Busway between Pakuranga and Botany.
• Planning improvements to the public transport system that will support and connect to Light Rail.
• Northwest bus improvements, including longer bus shoulders on the motorway with buses every 7-8 minutes during peak hours.
• More trains more often (see Provide more frequent services).
• Electric trains extended to Pukekohe and three new trains stations being built on the southern line.
Make using public transport feel safer
• Rolling out transport officers on buses like those seen on Auckland's trains
• Testing the implementation of safety barriers to protect drivers
• Conflict de-escalation training for drivers
Make public transport better at dealing with severe weather events
• Maintenance programmes will upgrade infrastructure, so it is less vulnerable to increasingly severe weather events.
• New infrastructure will be designed to be resilient to increasingly severe weather events.
Create a low carbon PT system
• Electric ferries operating on several routes by 2025, and over 1,000 buses (75% of the fleet) will have no tail pipe emissions by 2031.
• Ensure all PT projects consider the embodied emissions and reduce them where possible.
Improvements to trains
• City Rail Link (operating by 2026). 
—Doubles the rail network's capacity in the long term
—Provides faster travel times
—Two new underground stations in the City Centre (Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape)
• More trains, more often (operating by 2026)—Trains every 7.5 minutes at peak travel times and every 15 minutes the rest of the day.
New train stations in Drury, Ngākōroa, and Paerātā (open by 2026). 
• Electric trains extended to Pukekohe (operating by 2026).
90% of Aucklanders think a fast and reliable PT system is important for any world class city
Map
tn: The map shows Auckland Indicative Train Service network. Information from the map is listed below.
Auckland's Indicative Train Services Network by 2026
T1: East-West Line
Manukau
Puhinui
Papatoetoe
Middlemore
Ōtāhuhu
Sylvia Park
Panmure
Glen Innes
Meadowbank
Ōrākei
Waitematā (Britomart)
Te Waihorotiu
Karanga-a-Hape
Maungawhau (Mt Eden)
Kingsland
Morningside
Baldwin Ave
Mt Albert
Avondale
New Lynn
Fruitvale Road
Glen Eden
Sunnyvale
Henderson
Sturges Road
Rānui
Swanson
T2: Southern Line
Pukekohe
Paerātā
Ngākōroa
Drury
Papakura
Takaanini
Te Mahia
Manurewa
Homai
Puhinui
Papatoetoe
Middlemore
Ōtāhuhu
Penrose
Ellerslie
Greenlane
Remuera
Newmarket
Grafton
Karanga-a-Hape
Te Waihorotiu
Waitematā (Britomart)
Parnell
Newmarket
Remuera
Greenlane
Ellerslie
Penrose
Ōtāhuhu
T3: Southern Express
Pukekohe 
Paerātā
Ngākōroa
Drury
Papakura
Puhinui
Waitematā (Britomart)
T4: Onehunga & Western Line
Onehunga
Te Papapa
Penrose 
Ellerslie
Greenlane
Remuera
Newmarket
Grafton
Maungawhau (Mt Eden)
Kingsland
Morningside
Baldwin Ave
Mt Albert
Avondale
New Lynn
Fruitvale Road
Glen Eden
Sunnyvale
Henderson
End Map.
Improvements to buses and on-demand services
• Bus driver shortage fixed (end of 2023).
• Eastern Busway stages 2 & 3 open with new peak hour buses from Ormiston and Howick (by 2027). 
• Northwestern bus improvements (2022-2025). Northwestern Bus Improvements 
• New bus station at Rosedale Station and associated bus connections to Browns Bay and Albany (opens 2027)
• New bus station in Whangaparāoa (under investigation). Bus services on the peninsula will become frequent services and connect to the new station. The Northern Busway NX2 service will also be extended to the station.
• Airport Link Extension (operating by 2027).
• 10 new frequent routes by 2027, plus another three frequent routes by 2031.
• Over 1,000 buses (75% of the fleet) will have no tail pipe emissions by 2031.
• Takaanini on-demand transport service is now permanent, and we will conduct further trials throughout Auckland as funding allows. Currently we are considering trials in East Coast Bays, Western North Shore (Kaipātiki), Lincoln Road, Scott Point, Massey, Oranga, Karaka Lakes, and Drury.
It takes either one bus lane or four traffic lanes to transport the same amount of people per hour
Improvements to ferries
• Electric ferries start operating (2024). Ongoing implementation of electric ferries (2024-2031).
• More ferry trips on several routes, including Pine Harbour, West Harbour, Hobsonville Point, and Half Moon Bay. Associated improvements to create more reliable on time connections to bus services (2024-2026).
• More ferry crews to ensure trips aren't cancelled (2023-2024).
Better connections to the PT network
• Better management of park and rides, including live parking availability data, a small portion of parks available to be prebooked for a fee, charges for people that park but do not ride.
• Better walking and cycling links to PT services. Primary focus is links to the rapid and frequent networks.
• More secure bicycle parking and e-bike charging facilities at key PT stations.
• In principle, AT will support developments in close proximity to the rapid and frequent transport networks.
• Develop and make publicly available thresholds for when PT services will be provided to rural towns and new greenfield developments. We are also investigating changes to developer contributions, so they can help fund the early provision of PT services to new developments.
Rapid and frequent networks 2031
Map:
tn: The map Rapid and frequent networks 2031 shows 13 projects that are funded by the 2021 RTLP. All 13 projects are listed below.
PT capital projects funded by the 2021 RTLP
1. Penlink (2027)
2. Northway busway extension (2022)
3. Rosedale busway station (2027)
4. Upgrade to constellation busway station (2022)
5. Matiatia terminal precinct upgrade (2026)
6. Midtown bus improvements and Downtown bus crossover (2028)
7. Northwest bus improvements (2023)
8. Lincoln Road Corridor improvements (2028)
9. Carrington Road improvements (2031)
10. Eastern busway—stages 2, 3, 4 (2027)
11. Sylvia Park bus Improvements (2027)
12. Airport to Botany—preliminary service (AirportLink) and route protection (2027)
13. Drury train stations (2026)
End map.
PT network (all routes) 2031
Map
tn: The map shows the Proposed PT Network 2031 for greater Auckland including Hibiscus Coast, Waiheke Island, Warkworth, Beaachland/Maraetai, Helensville/Parakai, and Waiuku/Patumahoe. End map.
A key decision
The city has to make some trade-offs when allocating resources to PT. One big decision is deciding whether to focus on:
• Increasing reach by providing new services to reach more people in different areas, such as rural towns.
• Increasing the frequency of existing services, usually our busiest PT routes or routes with good potential for increased demand.
We asked over 1,200 Aucklanders what they thought was most important. 16% favoured reach, 48% wanted an equal focus, and 38% favoured frequency.
We have taken this feedback on board. Our priority is maintaining the existing network, which is predominantly focused on "frequency". However, additional funding for service improvements will be split at around 50% "frequency" and 50% "reach".
Funding
We are facing a significant ongoing funding shortfall.
The initiatives outlined in this RPTP are fundable, but beyond 2024 we don't have certainty that the government will provide the funding we need to continue operating the system, let alone to deliver all of the improvements required to significantly increase PT use. AT will continue to advocate for new and more secure funding sources so we can make more progress on PT improvements.
Current funding constraints have been made worse by:
• A drop in fares revenue due to COVID-19. Fares typically fund around a third of our operating costs.
• Increasing inflation. Increased costs to operate PT services mean we are providing less services for the same amount of money.
• The cost of debt has increased, which impacts on our ability to deliver infrastructure.
Additional funding has recently been approved through Auckland Council's Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate, and funds many of the improvements in this RPTP. Even with this, we need more funding to be able to deliver the level of improvements required to significantly increase PT use.
Box:
Funding sources for the RPTP
Auckland Council Contribution
Auckland Rates
Auckland Regional Fuel Tax
Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate (CATTR)
Auckland Long Term Plan
Regional Land Transport Plan
• Regional Public Transport Plan
Users Contribution
PT fares
Regional Land Transport Plan
• Regional Public Transport Plan
NZ Government Contribution
National Fuel Tax
Other Crown funding
National Land Transport Programme
Regional Land Transport Plan
• Regional Public Transport Plan
End Box.
Steps to adopting the RPTP
Late 2022
• Identify issues and opportunities for PT and develop draft RPTP goals
• Engagement activities included:
—Market research survey (over 1,000 Aucklanders)
—Three workshops with key interest groups
Jan-Apr 2023
• Further feedback on draft goals, develop draft actions, and research on Aucklanders priorities for public transport
• Engagement activities included:
—Market research survey (over 1,200 Aucklanders)
—Two workshops with key interest groups
—Auckland Council Planning Committee endorsed strategic direction for the RPTP
May-Jun 2023
• Develop draft RPTP
• AT Board endorses draft RPTP for public feedback
Jul-Aug 2023
• Public feedback on draft RPTP
Sep-Oct 2023
• Local board feedback on draft RPTP
• More key interest group workshops
• AT amend RPTP taking feedback into account
Nov 2023
• Finalise RPTP
• RPTP submitted for approval by AT Board
End of Auckland's proposed public transport system