Call for transport overhaul
A transport system overhaul is needed to advance the country’s economy, attendees have heard at the start of the T-Tech 2025 annual conference at the University of Auckland.
Armin Guttke, Intelligent Transport Systems New Zealand (ITSNZ) president, told delegates a whole-of-system approach needs to be taken to advance New Zealand’s climate, social and economic goals.
International experience could help deliver solutions to the high cost of congestion that many believed was paralysing Auckland, the country’s largest city.
Guttke, pictured, said countries across Europe and Asia had faced similar problems and the lesson learned was there was no magic bullet that could correct problems overnight.
Welcoming guests to T-Tech on July 9, he said many would have experienced the congestion that plagues city motorways every day as they tried to get to the inner-city venue.
“Auckland alone pays billions of dollars every year in terms of the productive hours lost by people sitting on motorways, in fuel consumption, in disrupted delivery and labour supplies, with the contribution to climate emissions on top of that.”
Those were all factors that increased the cost of goods and services, he warned, pointing out transport accounted for about 40 per cent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our transport network does not only connect us economically, but socially too. It’s what we rely on for access to healthcare, housing, education and to go about our everyday lives.
“A sustainable and equitable system is essential.”
Delegates were told New Zealand’s transport future was at a crossroads and technology can play a major role through initiatives such as smart traffic management and intelligent transport systems that improve infrastructure efficiency, cut congestion and boost productivity.
Guttke acknowledged transport was a complex issue made worse by funding problems and declining fuel-excise revenue, which he said makes the push for new finance models and technology critical.
“Singapore, Stockholm, London, these are major international cities that have instigated time of use and tolling road-user charging as part of efforts to ensure transport systems could be well-maintained, sustainable and equitable in the long-term.
“Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown will have more to say on the challenge facing his city, but time of use charging is a method that has successfully reduced traffic and improved productivity internationally.
“There is nothing to suggest Auckland, Australasia’s most congested city, would not see similar benefits through encouraging off-peak travel.”
“Ultimately, T-Tech is not about gadgets, it’s about improving lives and unlocking benefits. I want everyone here to be able to leave with new ideas.”
