Majority support Auckland transport plan

The Auckland Plan transport network includes new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways at an extra cost of $12 billion over 30 years. Photo / Doug Sherring

A small majority of Aucklanders support a big and expensive transport programme for the Super City, according to a survey by Colmar Brunton for Auckland Council.

The survey of 5022 people found 58 per cent supported the Auckland Plan transport programme with 32 per cent in favour of a more basic transport programme.

The Auckland Plan transport network includes new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways at an extra cost of $12 billion over 30 years.

The basic transport network will maintain the existing infrastructure with only minor improvements.

Both options include the $2.5 billion city rail link.

When it came to funding the Auckland Plan transport programme at an extra cost of $300 million a year, 57 per cent of respondents preferred a motorway toll while 31 per cent favoured a mix of a regional fuel tax and rates increases.

The results are not much different from 27,353 written submissions on a new 10-year budget. Feedback showed 50 per cent in favour of the Auckland Plan transport programme and 29 per cent for the basic programme.

Motorway tolls received 34 per cent support and a fuel tax and higher rates 27 per cent.

The telephone survey was conducted by Colmar Brunton between February 24 and March 30 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.4 per cent.

The results will be used by councillors to make decisions on the new budget.

The council cannot introduce tolls or a regional fuel tax without Government support and legislative change.