Public Transport stories
Record transport spending will not ease congestion or housing shortages fast enough, according to Infrastructure New Zealand, which says funding still lags Australia.
Civil firms fear a USD $2 billion lull in work could push skills and equipment overseas before rapid transit projects begin.
Walking or cycling to work was linked to a markedly lower risk of fatal heart disease and stroke in a UK study of 358,799 adults.
Councils are reluctant to fund growth infrastructure because central government captures the tax gains, an infrastructure expert says.
Road spending is set to top AUD $20 billion this financial year, but rail projects may crowd it out after 2018 as costs rise.
As cities tighten scooter rules, dockless electric rides are testing whether they can shift short car trips and ease congestion.
Greater use of private capital is still needed as New Zealand’s Budget only partly meets the country’s infrastructure investment gap, industry leaders say.
Specialised procurement is being urged to keep NZD $42 billion in capital spending on schedule, as costs could rise if projects are poorly sequenced.
Higher density housing could help Auckland grow without more sprawl, as research at Hobsonville Point links walkability and amenities to liveability.
New Zealand households and farmers could face higher carbon costs, while more trees and low-emissions vehicles are encouraged under the plan.
Auckland commuters and freight operators are set to gain from a NZD $30 billion transport spend, though congestion relief is still in doubt.
Auckland occupiers and investors face fresh disruption as the government revives the East West Link in a scaled-back $800 million form.
Drivers in Northland still face a busy SH1 corridor, as councils and hauliers warn the planned works fall short of rising traffic needs.
New Zealand’s emissions rose 20% from 1990 to 2016, underscoring the difficulty of meeting its 2030 climate target.
Auckland’s transport funding gap is so large that a fuel tax would cover only a fraction of the needed NZD $10 billion, carriers say.
Higher fuel taxes could raise freight costs, with road carriers warning households will pay more unless extra revenue funds roads.
Growing cities will need more than USD $55 billion in priority transport works over the next 15 years, Infrastructure Australia says.
A new network of routes could make walking a practical way to get around London again, if the plan is adopted.
Investors could help fund Auckland’s water and transport upgrades as the council weighs a first-of-its-kind Green Bond framework.
Developers, tech experts and people with engineering or transport backgrounds will come together with to improve the public transport system.
