KEY POINTS:
The continuing surge in crude oil prices and environmental pressures are indicators of the race against time that Auckland transport administrators are dealing with in seeking to improve our region's public transport system.
Submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland's Governance highlight pleas for better consolidation of Auckland's fractured transport operations to enable faster implementation of plans for improved public transport services.
Aucklanders embrace the concept of a second harbour crossing with a strong passenger transport component.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority's focus, on further developing Auckland's rapidly developing rail network by protecting a designation for a future CBD loop tunnel (and the potential for a rail link to the airport), is greeted with enthusiasm and a public appeal for sooner, not later.
Today, the price of 98-octane petrol sits at about $2 a litre with 91 not far behind it. Further fuel price rises seem likely.
While a certain sector of the population, particularly in Auckland, will never leave their cars, the right price, frequency and convenience factors of a developing public transport system in the region, combined with the hefty costs of running a private motor vehicle, will almost certainly provide the "push" for many considering the option.
While there is no question that there is still much to be done to match the public transport systems offered by cities of a similar size to Auckland, a recent review of ARTA activities demonstrated the extent to which the Auckland regional public transport system is being revitalised over a relatively short period of time.
Within Auckland City, the construction of a vastly modernised Newmarket station is well underway and plans are in place for the re-opening of the Onehunga line.
Within Waitakere, double tracking of the western line will be completed mid-year, with four train services an hour at peak.
Planning for the electrification of the rail system and purchase of an electric train fleet is in progress.
New, safer stations are being built to serve local communities and a hub for rail and bus is planned for New Lynn. Auckland's love affair with rail has not abated as patronage continues its rapid climb.
On the North Shore, the new busway is open with a 66 per cent increase in service uptake on the previous year and 32 per cent ahead of patronage forecast for the year. Better linkages for the North Shore with the CBD and beyond are high on ARTA's plans.
To the south and south east, better bus services structured to customer demand are being introduced to Howick and Pakuranga and rail electrification will be extended through Manukau to Papakura.
A passenger transport route to Auckland Airport is a priority on ARTA's agenda. Vehicle congestion and the sprawl of Auckland can equate to taxi charges from the airport to the central city higher than a one-way airfare to the capital.
Long-term parking charges increase as demand rises. Cost, convenience and frequency are again common touchstones for commuters. An international city does not exist without a rapid public passenger transport link to its airport. ARTA intends to provide this link.
A fully integrated fare structure offering ease and convenience is key to the provision of an effective public transport mix. Tenders for ARTA's smartcard system have closed.
The successful tender will be announced in the final quarter of this year. Integrated fares will be introduced in the 2009/2010 year.
The revitalisation of Auckland's public transport network will not be achieved overnight. There remains much to be done.
* Mark Ford is chairman of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA)
