Northern 

Associate Transport Minister and MP for Auckland Central Judith Tizard welcomed the launch of the 2008/09 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and the 2008/09 State Highway Forecast.

"This year's National Land Transport Programme allocates a record $2.7 billion for the development of New Zealand's transport network ($850 million of which is for Auckland).  The programme provides 24 percent more funding for public transport than last year and an 11 percent increase in funding for roading," said Judith Tizard.
 
"As well as the record $325 million NLTP investment in public transport (up from around $40 million in 1999), the Labour-led government is also investing an additional $300 million in rail infrastructure.

"Public transport funding was frozen at approx $40 million per year in the 1990s (resulting in only $18 million being spent in Auckland in 1999) under a National government and has been increased 15 times by the Labour-led government.

"Total government investment in transport has increased from just over $1 billion in 1999/00 to a forecast 3.1 billion in 2008/09.

The focus of this year's National Land Transport Programme for Auckland is reliable trip times, especially for buses and commercial vehicles.  The challenge is to ease the region's traffic congestion in the face of continuing strong suburban residential growth.

"Progress continues to be made in improving trip reliability and access, including to public transport facilities," said Judith Tizard.

Land Transport NZ is looking to address these issues by funding strategic network completion, upgrading and co-funded public transport operations and encouraging smart growth initiatives. It is also working with Auckland Regional Council and the seven local authorities on travel demand management initiatives including walking, cycling, and school and workplace travel plans.

"We're putting together a transport system that is interconnected and that is responsive to peoples needs. From our investment in land transport we are getting better, safer, more sustainable transport," said Judith Tizard.

"The Labour-led government's investment in public transport is already delivering real results for commuters. It is also making New Zealand's transport more environmentally-friendly.

The National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) sets out the allocation of funds to transport activities. It lists the activities that have already been given funding approval for 2008/09, and also those activities that may be given funding approval during 2008/09.

For more information visit http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/funding/nltp/2008/

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