Karen Hormann
Photo: Supplied
A cycling advocate is optimistic proposed changes to Auckland Transport could benefit those who walk or cycle.
Under the shake-up, significant transport decision-making will be transferred from the council-controlled organisation to Auckland Council’s governing body and local boards.
AT will retain about a third of its current roles, and focus only on public transport, with an overall decrease of 20 jobs.
A new Transport and Infrastructure Directorate would be created in the council. Roles relating to cycling infrastructure would be moved to another new department, Roading Infrastructure, which came under the new directorate.
Bike Auckland chair Karen Hormann told Morning Report the current arrangement hadn’t been great for cyclists.
“We would like to see the roading renewal not be like for like, but actually improve footpaths, cycle paths, as well as the road when those processes are in play.”
However, Hormann said there had been some advantages to having the wider transport team working together.
“Having the (cycling) team with the public transport division has been helpful as far as coordinating those multi-modal trips, making sure you can ride to the train station, you’ve got parking, you’ve got somewhere secure to leave your bike. Those things have been great.”
Hormann said Auckland Council already had the policies needed to supercharge walking and cycling, so she expected to see a faster rollout of cycle paths across the region.
“What we’re looking for is a network of paths so that everybody can actually get from their home to where they want to go safely.”
In a statement, Auckland Transport interim chief executive Stacey van der Putten confirmed legislation had passed changing the way transport is planned, governed and delivered in Auckland.
“Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are now consulting on a change proposal with our people to enable what is set out in the legislation.
“AT will continue to work alongside Auckland Council to transition responsibilities, set up the new public transport organisation, and ensure services continue to be delivered through the six-month transition period and beyond.”
Hormann said the current fuel crisis had increased interest in cycling to work.
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