Transport and access in Auckland, 2050

​ It is 2050 and Auckland's population is around 2.5 million people. A rapid and complete transformation of the transport and land-use planning system means that the way people, goods and services move around Auckland today is very different from how it was done 30 years ago. 

We do not need to use our cars as much because there are other ways to get around. These are easy and affordable, so we walk, cycle and take public transport more.

When we do need to use a vehicle, they are cleaner and more fuel efficient than 30 years ago. They are also powered by renewable electricity.

We travel together with other people more often to reduce the number of individual vehicle trips taken.

Some trips are shorter than they were 30 years ago, and there are now more options for people to work online. This reduces their need to travel.

This is possible because:

• we live closer to services, shops and other amenities
• we have more opportunities to go online for services, such as the doctor
• many people mix working from home and going to their physical workplace.

There have been lots of benefits from these changes. We have:

• safer streets that promote independent travel for all ages and abilities
• better health outcomes through increased levels of physical activity
• improved air quality and reduced noise pollution
• more reliable journeys, especially for freight and public transport
• more effective use of our limited public funds   
• a more resilient transport system that can respond to shocks such as severe weather events and fuel price increases.

Whilst these changes replaced some of our travel needs, the basic human desire to interact with other people and places means the transport system remains an important part of our lives.

Over the last few decades, change has been possible because local and central government acted with urgency to transform the transport system.

We have:

• an increased level of investment
• a strong partnership approach between the council and mana whenua
• bold decisions made by our infrastructure and service providers
• an increase in Aucklanders making sustainable travel choices.

Technology has also played a part in our transformation.

Innovation and new developments were focused on addressing critical challenges like emissions reduction and transport inequity. Thinking ahead about the possible impacts of those technologies helped provide solutions to the city’s problems. It ensured we did not create new problems or exacerbate existing ones.

We have ongoing challenges responding to growth, addressing transport inequity, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. These challenges are more significant in magnitude than they were thirty years ago.