Strategy pivots towards public transport

As the Government finalises a new transport strategy, New Zealand's transport industry is set to undergo a significant shift towards emissions reduction. Climate change considerations will dictate the spread of tens of billions of dollars in transport funding over the next three years. The proposed plan promises to pivot towards public transport and away from emissionsintensive investments such as new highways. It calls for a significant focus on reducing the amount of driving and, in turn, emissions. Projects that increase emissions will face a “high threshold” to receive funding, but officials have clarified that they may not necessarily be axed. However, the Government seems to be getting itself slightly confused on exactly what this transport strategy will look like.

The musings of Michael Wood

According to a briefing released to NZ Herald under the Official Information Act, Transport Minister Michael Wood has proposed swapping car parks for new bus lanes and cycleways. This change will be funded by the $2 billion currently used for maintenance work, such as fixing potholes. While the proposed changes may come at a cost, officials have stated that they will be necessary to achieve New Zealand’s emissions reduction goals. Wood’s plan, known as the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS), is set to guide the allocation of billions of dollars in fuel taxes and road user charges over the next 10 years. The GPS will serve as a guide for Waka Kotahi - NZTA’s National Land Transport Plan, which sets out the allocation of funds over the next three years and councils will also use it to decide which projects they will jointly fund with Waka Kotahi. Hipkins’ hot take!

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says a lot has changed in the last couple of months, which is going to have a bearing on the final GPS. He stated that it will change from what was previously consulted on as they have dealt with a significant event that is going to have an impact on transport infrastructure and where they have to prioritise. He went on to say Cabinet has not made any decisions on transport at this point, and