Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency was covering about 90 per cent of the cost for a suite of walking, biking and public transport upgrades that would help the council reduce transport emissions and make it easier to move around the city.
The Waka Kotahi funding came from their Transport Choices programme, part of the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund. Transport Choices supported councils to begin immediate work to develop safer, greener and healthier travel options, the council said.
Transport in Hamilton made up about 64 per cent of the city’s total emissions.
Under its climate change strategy, Our Climate Future: Te Pae Tawhiti o Kirikiriroa, Hamilton aimed to reduce its overall emissions by at least 30 per cent by 2030.
Three key Hamilton roading projects were completed in October.
“Walking, biking and public transport upgrades are a key part of the council’s strategy to make the city more accessible.
“Our transport strategy, Access Hamilton—Ara Kootuitui Kirikiriroa, has a strong focus on improving safety and connectivity between suburbs as well as reducing emissions and pollution.”
A council Facebook post about the upgrades drew mixed reactions with hundreds of comments. Some were upset about crossings next to roundabout and bus stop placement, while others praised the council for the safety improvements.
