City's $46b strategy on track despite money worries

Auckland's 30-year land transport strategy has passed its final hurdle before being cleared next week by the regional council.

The Regional Land Transport Committee, made up of appointees from transport user groups and representatives of Auckland's eight councils, yesterday approved a final draft of the strategy.

The committee is legally bound to complete the strategy by the end of this month.

That is despite uncertainty over how to fund goals in the strategy, which proposes spending $46 billion by 2040 on public transport, roads and walking and cycling infrastructure.

The strategy proposes spending $21 billion on public transport and "active modes" such as walking and cycling, and more than $24 billion for roads.

But it acknowledges that the level of funding cannot be confidently predicted, and warns of a possible deficit of up to $13 billion.

As well as Government subsidies and ratepayer contributions, it suggests investigating alternative funding, such as infrastructure bonds, parking levies and road tolls.

The strategy was adopted unanimously by the committee, although Rodney District deputy mayor John Kirikiri suggested it be delayed until the Super City takes charge.

The strategy does not envisage an airport rail loop between Onehunga and Puhinui until at least 2031.

But committee chairwoman Christine Rose said the final strategy to be presented to the ARC for approval on Monday would include footnotes to four public transport projects, including the airport loop, to explain that their timings were indicative only.