Regional transport is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s society. The councils of Te Uru Kahika are responsible for regional transport planning and public transport services, making it easier and safer to get you where you need to be.

Transportation is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key focus for climate change mitigation and adaptation. By advancing integrated planning, electrification, and mode shift strategies, regional councils are transforming transport systems to support thriving, resilient communities.

Public Transport

Public transport is central to councils’ efforts to reduce emissions, connect communities, and enhance regional resilience. Councils are leading the transition to carbon-free public transport fleets, requiring significant investment in charging infrastructure and strategic energy solutions. Electrified fleets align with New Zealand’s climate commitments while improving urban air quality and reducing operating costs over time.

Stabilising and growing the public transport workforce is another key focus. Ensuring competitive pay, fair working conditions, and targeted immigration policies will help attract and retain skilled workers, enabling reliable and frequent services that meet community needs.

Unlocking Regional Potential

Regional passenger rail has significant untapped potential to provide mass transit solutions that reduce road congestion, accelerate economic and housing growth, and enhance freight efficiency. Councils are engaging with central government and KiwiRail to explore solutions for revitalising passenger rail networks and unlocking their potential as a sustainable and efficient mode of transport.

Transport and infrastructure are deeply interconnected. The quality, design, and maintenance of infrastructure significantly influence the efficiency and sustainability of transport systems. 

  • Efficient transport infrastructure supports the flow of goods, services, and people, driving economic development. 
  • Well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transport systems ensure traveller safety and community access.
  • Investments in public transport reduce reliance on private vehicles, cutting emissions, bringing people together, and supporting sustainability.
  • Recent severe weather events have highlighted the vulnerability of transport networks to natural hazards, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure planning and maintenance.

Opportunities for Transformative Change

Te Uru Kahika's Transport Special Interest Group actively engages with central government national transport priority setting and ensures regional perspectives are reflected in decision-making. The review of the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Transport is a key avenue for this engagement, with councils advocating for a transport system that supports social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

Councils are also seeking simplified and innovative funding models to meet the growing demand for public transport infrastructure and services. This includes exploring national ticketing systems, bulk funding models, and reforms to fare structures.

Regional transport planning offers an opportunity to reimagine how people and goods move throughout Aotearoa. By integrating strategies such as mode shifting toward active and shared transport, decarbonisation of fleets, and better land use planning, councils are shaping a transport future that serves current and future generations.

 

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