12 Logistics & Transport NZ
Auckland’s congestion across the network has worsened over the past few years. An average weekday motorway trip now takes almost 10 per cent more time than it did four years ago, and motorists now need to allow an additional 40 to 55 per cent longer for their trips to be assured of arriving on time. Photo: iStock
Congestion pricing investigation highlight its viability, acknowledges obstacles Developing and implementing successful congesting pricing schemes throughout the world has proven its viability. So, can Auckland do the same or will public perception prove too difficult to overcome? BY JAMES PAUL
Singapore, London, and Stockholm all have something in common. Despite having much larger populations than Auckland – bar Stockholm – their congestion pricing schemes have generated meaningful and sustained improvements in network performance, lifted public transport mode share, generated better environmental outcomes, and helped provide sustainable funding streams. However, there were failed international examples of the scheme which were rejected, in part, due to social issues not being adequately addressed and the potential adverse community impacts. These negative aspects were amplified by poor and unclear communication – as is with most large projects – along with concerns over whether it was being motivated by revenue raising, rather than improving network performance.
All three cities were used as case studies in the Government’s joint project with Auckland Council to investigate the viability of the scheme in the City of Sails, titled the Phase One Report: The Congestion Question. The report built upon the Auckland Transport Alignment Project’s 30-year transport system vision, identifying “pricing as having a significant potential to manage travel demand and reduce congestion”. The executive summary of the report stated the collaborative analysis showed Auckland’s congestion across the network has worsened over the past few years. An average weekday motorway trip now takes almost 10 per cent more time than it did four years ago, and motorists now need to allow an additional 40 to 55 per cent longer for their trips to be assured of arriving on time.
“Congestion is also increasingly a problem throughout the day and at weekends, not just in the peak times. Without congestion pricing, our analysis shows that congestion is expected to become more widespread, even after a significant programme of investment in roading, public transport and active modes. “The proportion of car travel in severe congestion is projected to increase by around 30 per cent in the morning and afternoon peak, and 50 per cent in the interpeak. This means that Aucklanders’ access to jobs, education and other opportunities will become more difficult, negatively impacting both the productivity and liveability of the city.” While the report acknowledged that international evidence from cities such as Singapore, London, and Stockholm showed
