17 Jan 2011

Auckland mayor launches public transport campaign

10:33 am on 17 January 2011

Auckland mayor Len Brown has launched a bid to double the number of residents using public transport within a decade.

Mr Brown announced the goal on Monday, along with five initiatives he believes will lift the total number of public transport trips Aucklanders take each year to 150 million.

He wants boost the number of schools with transport plans and to improve the efficiency of bus and high occupancy vehicle lanes.

The Auckland mayor says integrated ticketing, electric trains and a CBD rail link would encourage more people to leave cars at home.

Mr Brown also launched a a study into how to get more people using alternative means of transport, such as walking and cycling.

The mayor said he had on Monday started taking the train to work on a regular basis in a bid to show his commitment to the cause.

The announcement is part of the mayor's plan to deliver 100 projects within the first 100 days of the Auckland Council.