Auckland Council has approved its first transport policy statement, a document it says will set the direction for how the region’s land transport system is planned and funded alongside the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.

Transport, Infrastructure and Delivery Committee chair Andy Baker said the intent is to keep Auckland moving by giving people reliable options and keeping freight flowing. “Keeping Auckland moving is a priority for the council… Our aspirations for transport in Auckland are captured in this policy statement – it sets out where and how we want to invest to make sure every Aucklander is getting the most bang for their buck,” he said.

The statement lists the council’s priorities as affordable, quick and reliable public transport, significantly reducing emissions, and improving safety while delivering value for money. Baker described it as a “roadmap” to guide investment decisions and ensure both urban and rural needs are considered.

No specific projects are named in the policy statement. Those will be set through a new 30-year transport plan that the council will develop with central government. Work on that plan will begin after new transport legislation passes.

Council says the policy statement, taken together with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, will guide investment decisions for years to come.