The grounding of the "Aratere" in Picton 22nd June highlights the need for urgent attention to the Interislander link. I have expressed my concerns to past Ministers of Transport and Finance and to Simeon Brown, Nicola Willis, and Christopher Luxon in regard to the Interislander.!!!! Now a steering fault has put it aground on a beach near Picton. A steering fault at the rocky entrance to Tory channel in bad weather could be catastrophic and very difficult to get to for rescue. Last time I travelled on an Interislander (March 2024) with a group I was appalled at the standard of presentation of the ships. It seems to support a deeper and much more serious lack of maintenance and caring. 

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EMAIL SENT TO THE PRIME MINISTER, ALL CABINET MINISTERS, AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 21 JUNE, 2024

To the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,  all Cabinet Ministers, all Members of Parliament: Wayne Brown - Mayor of Auckland, all Auckland Councillors, all media

What could central government do with an extra $200+ million dollars per annum?

* Fund a lot more drugs for Pharmac including the promised cancer drugs?

* Employ a lot more nurses and doctors and upgrade our health facilities?

* Employ a lot more teachers and upgrade their training?

* Buy a new passenger jet for the air force?

* Fill all the potholes in New Zealand and build better roads?

* Purchase two new Interisland ferries urgently?

* Give themselves a pay rise?

 

What could Auckland Council do with $100 million less costs per annum

Reduce the rates burden, increase the public services, and add security to the city, sack the Board and senior management of Auckland Transport??

It is not a dream or a scam, or too good to be true.  It is available and would start feeding through in 6 months time with the introduction of SUPERMAXX for a cost of less than $1 million - paid for in the first week of savings when fully implemented!

 

SUPERMAXX provides more revenue by using unlimited travel passes, reducing commuter costs from $230 a month for AT to $75 per month for Supermaxx, reducing operating costs by creating a better and more efficient network, and takes at least 31,000 tons of carbon from the air each year. Please do the math and check it out, and then explain why it is not introduced.  LOWER FARES ARE CRITICAL IN THESE FINANCIALLY DIFFICULT TIMES FOR MANY STRUGGLING COMMUTERS.  AT does not need more subsidies - it needs less.  Supermaxx can be introduced across Auckland within 6 months for a cost of less $1 million and will bring savings of at least $5 million per week when fully implemented. It needs a critical mass of around 200,000 people to fully implement the frequency, network,  and fare level but Wellington and Christchurch qualify and a modified version can be implemented in smaller cities. With the agreement of the councils (and introduction of unlimited travel passes) one pass could cover every public transport service in New Zealand with huge benefits to the public. Step off the plane at any airport and you are on your way on local bus services using the same pass. Auckland Transport and Auckland Council cannot understand the concept of lower fares, lower costs, and better services actually increasing revenue!

SUPERMAXXS Update 20 June, 2024               

Supermaxx was first presented to the Auckland Regional Council and various Auckland City Councils then in existence in February 2007. It has been presented to every Mayor, Auckland Super City Councillor, and central government Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, Minister of Finance, and central government politician since.  No one has proven me wrong!  No one has implemented Supermaxx

Failure to implement Supermaxx in the past 17 years has

** Cost Auckland ratepayers over $1 billion in excess subsidies

** Cost New Zealand taxpayers over $1 billion in excess NZTA subsidies

** Cost Auckland commuters over $1 billion in excess fares

** Caused at least 560,000 tons of excess carbon emissions.

** Provided less connected, less frequent and slower services.

 

Auckland Transport has INCREASED Public Transport costs

Budget for operating costs 2019/2020.... 537,300,000

Budget for operating costs 2021/2022.... 627,000,000

Budget for operating costs 2023/2024.... 837,100,000

56% increase in costs from 2019/2020 to 2023/2024

 

Auckland Transport has DECREASED Public Transport fare revenue!

Budget for fare revenue 2019/2020.... 189,300,000

Budget for fare revenue 2023/2024.... 149,017,000

29% decrease in fare revenue from 2019/2020 to 2023/2024

Half price public transport fares were in force March 2022 to 30 June 2023 which were still higher than Supermaxx fares!

 

Auckland Transport has INCREASED TOTAL SUBSIDIES from Auckland Council and NZTA by 105% between 2019/2020 ($328,000,000) and 2023/2024 ($674,400,000)

 

SUPERMAXX SAVINGS 2023/2024

REVENUE

Supermaxx projected Pass revenue 338,937,000 (See next panel for calculations).

Auckland Transport budget fare revenue 149,017,000

Supermaxx - extra Revenue per annum!! 189,920,000

 

COSTS

Supermaxx refined network and schedules means more capacity with less buses, less congestion, less road damage, less pollution.

346 less buses on the road at average cost of $323,755,000 = $112,019,230 further savings per annum.

 

Supermaxx Passes - Additional  revenue over AT.... $189,920,000

Plus savings through fewer buses $112,019,230

SUPERMAXX TOTAL SAVINGS AT LEAST  -  $301,939,230  PER ANNUM. $25,161,602 per month. 5,806,524 per week, 827,230 per day~ approximately 60% NZTA and 40% Auckland Council.

For more detailed costings and revenue projections plus how West Auckland services would look under Supermaxx with all Primary services starting and ending in urban centres rather than dormitory suburbs, more frequent and direct services, 24 hour services on primary routes, more use of the motorways for faster travel times, and how Dominion Rd services are a case study for the incompetence of Auckland Transport see the next panel. For more details of Supermaxx and Frequently asked Questions see the PDF on my website go to the bottom of this page.


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                                       The way ahead for Auckland’s public transport.

 

PLUS - most importantly it ...

PROVIDES

a vastly better, more integrated,
economical and frequent network.

 

Impact of COVID-19

It is well recognized that the Coronavirus lockdown has made huge changes in the way people work and the numbers commuting by public transport. More people will work from home or on flexible days. Unfortunately, less people will have a job to go to. Many will want to keep their private car bubble for extra security. These effects will last for many months, if not years. It is imperative that we provide the best possible public transport at the lowest possible cost in the shortest possible time


Auckland Council is in a financial crisis with no ability to get out of it. If Supermaxx had been introduced in 2007 over $1 billion would have been saved in subsidies through lower operating costs and increased revenue and the public would have had much better services and lower fares. We would be in much better shape to handle the pandemic.

 

A solution that benefits all involved

Moving to the schedules in this brochure and to unlimited travel passes will provide huge savings for Commuters, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, and taxpayers. It also provides a much better more integrated city-wide service.

Features

Supermaxx requires 350 less buses than Auckland Transport BUT provides higher capacity by maximising the network and bus use.

Supermaxx removes 31,500 tons of carbon each year by fewer buses. PLUS a similar amount from less car use. All new buses must be electric. Diesel’s replaced by 2025

Primary services are the heart of the Supermaxx network. With 22 routes and services every 10 minutes 7am -7pm (5 minutes at peak times) Monday – Saturday and every 20 minutes Sundays and off peak. Hourly services midnight – 6am for 6 month trial

Supermaxx services start and end at shopping/work hubs.

Supermaxx provides a fully integrated grid network

SUPERMAXX UNLIMITED TRAVEL PASSES valid from Wellsford to Waiuku on any train, bus, and ferry to encourage Aucklanders to explore and enjoy all areas of their city and contribute to local economies

 

Unlimited Travel PassesAdultConcession

30 days$75$30

7 days$25$10

1 day$10$5

2 hours*$2$1

* from first to last boarding

Supermaxx Subsidy Savings – at least $300 million per year

 

What is SUPERMAXX?

FAST
Bus lanes on main roads and motorways.
Priority at traffic lights
Express between transport hubs using motorways
Most direct and fastest route possible
 

FREQUENT
Services at least every 10 minutes on main routes and
20 minutes on secondary routes
 

REGULAR
10 minutes apart means 10 minutes apart
 

INTEGRATED
Buses and trains co-ordinated with minimal connecting times at hubs and one unlimited travel pass fare
 

COMPREHENSIVE
Supercity wide coverage including every major entertainment, shopping, residential, and employment centre including airport.
 

FLEXIBLE
Easy & free interchange between buses, trains, and Devonport ferry
 

COMFORTABLE
Air-conditioned – modern – clean – quiet – fast - free wi-fi
 

AFFORDABLE
Lowest possible cost – more economical than private car

 

Over 80% of residents within the urban area bounded by Albany, Westgate, Henderson, Papakura, and Cockle Bay will be within a 5 minute walk to a SUPERMAXX service, 90% within a  15 minute walk.

Find out more about the SUPERMAXX benefits with examples and frequently asked questions.

Learn more about SUPERMAXX

 

SUPERMAXX Financials


AT's long term plan shows a budget for 2021/2022 with a deficit of $415 million, to be funded by NZTA and Auckland Council.
In comparison, SUPERMAXX would reduce this to less than $211 million.   A saving of $204 million per year!

AT's Budget for 2023/24 shows a deficit of $625,585,000 to be funded by NZTA and Auckland Council. Supermaxx would reduce this to $312,338,500


 

View Financial Breakdown


SUPERMAXX Fare Comparison

Not only does SUPERMAXX save taxpayers huge sums, it also provides massive savings for commuters.

Fare TypeATSUPERMAXXSavings

Monthly pass bus/train$230$75$155

7 day PassN.A.$25

1 day Pass$18$10$8

2 hour pass (First to last boarding)N.A.$2

1 zone ($2.60 x 2 Journeys x 21 days)$109.20$75$34.20

2 zones ($4.45 x 2 Journeys x 21 days)$186.90$75$111.90

3 zones ($5.40 x 2 Journeys x 21 days)$226.80$75$151.80

4 zones ($6.80 x 2 Journeys x 21 days)$230 (pass)$75$155

5 zones ($8.00 x 2 Journeys x 21 days)$230 (Pass)$75$155

View Full Fare Comparisons

 

SUPERMAXX Network

One supercity zone Wellsford to Waiuku costing commuters only $75 for 30 days. With 13 major hubs, 15 mini hubs and 14 major connecting points, SUPERMAXX will make navigating Auckland easy and efficient. 
 

Find out more about:

Inner city networks

Ferry services

Bus service

Train Services

Airport Services

MINIMAXX - the transport hub to home and return


For the SUPERMAXX Network to work effiencently, there are an number of other concepts that need to be considered:

Auckland CBD concept

Auckland port relocation to Waimangu Point

Cycling

Walking

Skycabs

 

SUPERMAXX Proposal

The first edition of SUPERMAXX was prepared in 2006 and presented in 2007 to Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, and all Mayors and City Councillors in Auckland region, plus every central government politician. It has been updated and re-presented 6 times since. No one has proven my claims to be wrong.

This edition prepared 01 October 2021 to meet our covid ‘new reality’.

My request to Auckland Transport and politicians has always been to:

Prove that my claims are invalid OR

Come up with something better OR

Implement SUPERMAXX

They have done none of the above.

Auckland Council are now in deep financial trouble and have no idea how to get out of it.

Auckland Transport budget for public transport subsidies has blown out from $328.5 million in 2019/2020 to $415 million in 2021/2022, and $625.585,000 (349,956,000 NZTA  / $ 275,629,000 Auckland Council). No changes have been made to address this by reducing costs and/or increasing revenue.

Supermaxx decreases costs and increases revenue

Supermaxx can be implemented within 6 months

The ongoing effects of Covid will continue to suppress patronage through changing work patterns, fewer people working in the inner city, and the desire for ‘bubble security’ by using private cars.

No amount of modelling can really show how much patronage will increase if Supermaxx is completely implemented providing:

Much more interconnected and user-friendly network

More frequent schedules

Fares more than halved for most commuters

However, I believe it will be substantial. 2025 will probably be much more difficult financially for many people.

It is imperative that we act now to provide the best possible public transport at the lowest possible cost in the shortest possible time.


To understand all the details of the SUPERMAXX solution:

View SUPERMAXX PDF

 

 

 

 

 

An updated version of SUPERMAXX has been prepared. For the downloadable pdf.  CLICK HERE

Email sent to all Central Government Politicians and Auckland Mayor and Council, 16th May, 2023 

AUCKLAND COUNCIL BUDGET - PUBLIC TRANSPORT - CLIMATE CHANGE - SOCIAL HARDSHIP. Email below sent 16th May, 2023. There are solutions to our problems!!

Dear Prime Minister Hipkins, Minister of Finance Robertson, and all Members of Parliament, plus Mayor Wayne Brown and all Auckland City Councillors.

Both New Zealand and Auckland finances are in trouble, many people are struggling to survive on their personal earnings,  the evidence of climate change is all around us, and the failures of Auckland and Wellington transport management have been highlighted again in the past week. There is a programme called SUPERMAXX which addresses all 4 issues. It was developed by myself in 2006 and presented to both Central Government and Auckland Councils in 2007 and to every Member of Parliament and Auckland Councillor since, plus Auckland Transport on a number of occasions.

No one, including Auckland Transport, have been able to prove that my claims that Supermaxx would provide a vastly better, more integrated, more resilient, more frequent and more economical public transport system than we have now with major savings to ratepayers, commuters, and  taxpayers are wrong.  Key to it is remodelling the network to provide maximum efficiency in use of buses while providing increased capacity.

If Supermaxx had been introduced in 2007

1. Operating subsidies would have been reduced by at least 1.6 billion dollars ($2 million per week = $104 million per year) of which approximately 40% comes from Auckland Council and 60% from Waka Kotahi.  Savings for taxpayers through Waka Kotahi approximately $998 million to help the national deficit or spend on better infrastructure. 

On an annual basis $62 million savings for Waka Kotahi and $42 million savings for Auckland Council ratepayers would help solve both budget deficits.

2. Fares would now be in the long term $75 for 30 days unlimited travel Wellsford to Waiuku $25 for 7 days, $10 for 21 day, and $2 for 2 hours. This is a vast saving over even the 50% discount currently offered on Auckland Transport fares and help the struggling members of society.

3. By providing better services with 350 less buses 31,600 less tons of carbon per year would be in the atmosphere which does not even  take into account the reduced use of private vehicles if a reliable, economical, and more integrated and frequent public transport service was provided. Over 500,000 tons of carbon have been totally unnecessarily pumped into the air over the past 16 years.

4. Supermaxx provides a much more integrated and resilient public transport system. It also needs around 500 less drivers for the remodelled network which is the shortage Auckland Transport have been stating but not fixing. Supermaxx can be rolled out across the country in any city with more than 100,000 population, and a modified version in areas with less population. There can, and in my view should be, one pass covering all public transport in New Zealand.

I urge you to consider Supermaxx seriously and act in the interests of all the people of New Zealand. We can provide better outcomes for less cost. My challenge to Auckland Council and Auckland transport has always been to

A. Prove Supermaxx will not meet the claims I make for it.. OR

B. Come up with something better.. OR

C. Implement Supermaxx. It can be done within 6 months - it could even be implemented by early October if the will was there!!!

This is now my challenge to you

Here is the link to the Supermaxx web page for more details:  https://www.newzealandtours.co.nz/tours/supermaxx

Stephen Greenfield

New Zealand Tours/Supermaxx

Telephones 0800 309 196. Mobile 021 174 9588

 

Auckland Transport Consultancy

SUPERMAXX

The way ahead for Auckland's public transport in a covid affected world.

Schedules, and Financials

Prepared 01 October, 2021

* Saving...... $100-200 million per year in operating subsidies!!

* Halving......commuting costs for most passengers

* Reducing.. carbon emissions by over 31,500 tons per annum

* Providing.. a vastly better more integrated and frequent network.

It is well recognised that the Coronavirus lockdown has made huge changes in the way people work and the numbers commuting by public transport. More people will work from home or on flexible days. Unfortunately less people will have a job to go to. Many will want to keep their private car bubble for extra security. These effects will last for many months, if not years. It is imperative that we provide the best possible public transport at the lowest possible cost in the shortest possible time.

Auckland Council is in a financial crisis with no ability to get out of it. If Supermaxx had been introduced in 2007 over $1 billion would have been saved in subsidies through lower operating costs and increased revenue and the public would have had much better services and lower fares. We would be in much better shape to handle the pandemic.

Moving to the schedules in this brochure and to unlimited travel passes will provide huge savings for Commuters, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, and taxpayers. It also provides a much better integrated city wide service.

Features ;

** Supermaxx requires 350 less buses than AucklandTransport BUT provides higher capacity by maximising the network and bus use.

** Supermaxx removes 31,500 tons of carbon each year by using  fewer buses while providing greater capacity through better network planning.

PLUS a similar amount from less car use.

All new buses must be electric. Diesel's replaced by 2025

** Primary Services are the heart of the Supermaxx network. with 22 routes and services every 10 minutes 7am -7pm (5 minutes at peak times) monday – saturday and every 20 minutes sundays and off peak. Hourly services midnight – 6am for 6 month trial

** Supermaxx services start and end at shopping/work/entertainment hubs.

** Supermaxx provides a fully integrated grid network

** SUPERMAXX UNLIMITED TRAVEL PASSES valid from Wellsford to Waiuku on any train, bus, and Devonport ferry to encourage Aucklanders to explore and enjoy all areas of city and contribute to local economies.

......................Adult...............Concession

30 days.......... $75......................$30

7 days............ $25.......................$10

1 day.............. $10...................... $5

2 hours*...........$2.........................$1      * from first to last boarding

Supermaxx Subsidy Savings –  $100 - 200 million per year

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WHAT IS SUPERMAXX ?

For effective, affordable, 'transport of choice' for commuters public transport must be

FAST: Bus lanes on main roads and motorways.

Priority at traffic lights

Express between transport hubs using motorways

Most direct and fastest route possible

FREQUENT: Services at least every 10 minutes on primary routes and

20 minutes on secondary routes

REGULAR: 10 minutes apart means 10 minutes apart

INTEGRATED: Buses and trains co-ordinated with minimal connecting times at hubs and one unlimited travel pass fare

COMPREHENSIVE Supercity wide coverage including every major entertainment, shopping, residential, and employment centre including airport.

FLEXIBLE Easy and free interchange between buses, trains, and Devonport ferry

COMFORTABLE. Air conditioned – modern – clean – quiet – fast - free wi-fi

AFFORDABLE Lowest possible cost – more economical than private car

SUPERMAXX FULFILLS ALL THE ABOVE

** It will save at least $2 million per week in operating subsidies

** It will reduce most commuters fares by at least 50%

** It will provide vastly improved services at greatly reduced costs

** It provides an integrated public transport system from Wellsford to Waiuku

** It provides 24 hour services on primary routes

** It will massively reduce road congestion as commuters experience and use Supermaxx

Over 80% of residents within the urban area bounded by Albany, Westgate, Henderson, Papakura, and Cockle Bay will be within a 5 minute walk to a SUPERMAXX service, 90% within a 15 minute walk.

Combined with MINIMAXX shared ride non subsidised services from transport hubs (extra cost $2 per ride) door to door public transport will be available in the main urban area for the first time.

At present there is enormous waste of ratepayers money through inefficient use of capital and human resources. There is a huge excess of noise, emissions, and congestion and the services are not as user friendly and attractive as they should be through extemely inefficient network planning.

Example:

Most Dominion Rd services (one of the busiest routes in the city) travel along Mt Eden Road, Esplanade Road,, and View Road, to Dominion Road. For the sake of a few passengers who use Esplanade and View Road bus stops (all of which are within 5 minutes walk of Mt Eden or Dominion Road bus stops) thousands travelling daily further down Dominion Road have 5-10 minutes added to their journey. Some Dominion Road buses (25L) finish in Lynfield, some (25B) finish in Blockhouse Bay. Both are important dormitory suburbs, but are not destinations other than for residents.Both routes travel together to Denbigh Avenue. Frequently 2 double deck buses travel in tandem with maybe 5-10 passengers on each during the day.

The same wastage is replicated on Manukau Rd services 30 and 309. It wastes time, money, fuel, capital and human resources and causes more pollution, congestion, and road damage.

SUPERMAXX has one primary Dominion Rd route (209) which starts opposite the Civic Theatre (as at present), and travels via Upper Queen St and Ian McKinnon Drive to Dominion Road servicing both Lynfield and Blockhouse Bay and finishing at New Lynn Transport Centre – a major connecting point to the north and west. Inbound buses would go through Dominion Road, Symonds St, and Wellesley Street to opposite the Civic Theatre.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Has Supermaxx been reviewed?

YES. Supermaxx has been reviewed by some leading international transport experts with years of experience in developing transport theory and systems around the world.

Some of their comments;

“The principle of an integrated and simplified transfer network with a limited number of high frequency services makes sense and is in line with European best practice guidelines, including the so called Hi Trans guide on bus service design written by Gustav-Neilson and Truls Lange”.

A paper by Graham Currie and Ian Wallis in the Journal of Transport Geography Vol 16, 2008 shows that service simplification delivers the greatest of several subsidy saving initiatives, namely $3.50 in subsidy saved for every $1 spent on additional services to produce a network effect.

Why unlimited travel passes instead of zonal or distance fares?

Unlimited travel passes provide a huge incentive over zonal or distance fares. The thought “I have paid for the pass and therefore may as well use it” is a greater incentive to use public transport transport than “this journey is going to cost me money, so I may as well use the car.”

Unlimited travel passes are vastly more economical to operate. Auckland Transport have paid over $100 million for the current integrated Ticketing contract. A system for 'SUPERMAXX” would have cost less than $10 million.

What about Park and Ride facilities?

The introduction of Supermaxx with its network of local services feeding transport hubs, and unlimited travel passes will minimise the need for Park and Ride however they will be available for those who wish to use them for a cost of $5 per day with free electric car charging facilities provided. Park and Ride facilities can be provided at most transport hubs at no cost to Auckland Transport and Auckland Council by offering the air space above to developers free of charge for office or apartment blocks with 2-3 lower levels of car parking vested in Auckland Council for Park and Ride. “Kiss and ride” drop off and pick up space will be provided where possible.

Currrent Park and Ride facilities at train stations etc waste a large amount of valuable space.

Undercover camera monitored cycle storage will be provided at all transport hubs.

Will Supermaxx be attractive to tourists?

YES. The $2 for 2 hours travel (timed from first to last boarding), $10 one day passes, and $25 seven day passes will be very attractive to tourists. A $2 fare from the airport will make us world leaders and the word will soon spread that we are one of the best 'value for money' cities in the world. The simplicity of the Supermaxx integrated network and schedules and frequency of services will enable tourists to travel around the city and visit virtually all our tourist attactions and main shopping centres from Matakana in the north, to Waiuku and Glenbrook Railway in the south.

Why is Devonport the only ferry included currently?

Ferries are far more expensive to purchase and operate and are far less flexible in deplpyment than buses. Devonport is the only service that has the volume of passengers to include and Lake Road is one of the most congested arterial roads in Auckland. Devonport is also an important tourist destination.

We are happy to talk to ferry operators about the viability of other services and would hope that all ferries would be included by the time the 6 month establishment period is over and Supermaxx is implemented. Demand mitigation is a concern on a fine summer day!

Does cycling play a part in SUPERMAXX?

YES. Cycling has a very important part to play in our transport system but not in long distance commutes on our hilly terrain and overcrowded roads. All rail stations and most bus hubs will have weather protected, camera monitored, cycle storage facilities.

Can “SUPERMAXX” be implemented citywide within 6 months?

YES. It is perfectly feasible technically – 2 months to refine the schedules, 2 months in the public domain for comment, and 2 months to finalise, publicise, and implement. It could be done in 3 months

Can “SKYCABS” be integrated into “SUPERMAXX?”

YES. Skycabs provides fantastic potential for public transport on arterial routes. It can be built and operated by the private developer and leased to “SUPERMAXX” in the same way that buses are.

A “SKYCABS” track from Britomart to the airport can be built within 4 years for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion and a city wide network including North Shore within 6 years for $4 billion – less than the cost of the $5 billion Central Rail Link. The cost, disruption, and business destruction is totally unnecessary. It would totally replace light rail, more busways, See www.skycabs.co.nz

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SUPERMAXX FINANCIALS

Buses in service for AT 1326 including 203 Double Deckers

AT 2019/2020 Budget

........................Rail ...............Bus .............Ferry ............Total

Revenue .....56,000,000 ...124,000,000 .37,900,000 ..189,300,000

NZTA .......... 57.200.000 ...108,300,000 .11.000,000 ..176,500,000

Ak Council ...48,300,000 .....95,000,000 ...8,700,000 ..152,000,000

Other .............2,800,000 .......7,800,000 ...8,900,000 ....19,500,000

Total ...........164,300,000 .. 335,100,000 .66,500,000 .537,300.000

Total operating cost 537,300,000

 

Total Revenue 

Fares ...............................189.300,000

NZTA Subsidy ..................176,500,000

Council subsidy .............. 152,000,000

Total subsidy ....................328,500,000

Advertising and other ........ 19,500,000

Total receipts .................537,300,000

The above budget was prepared before covid arrived. Revenue has dropped considerably since then but expenditure remains almost the same.

 

The Long Term Plan shows a budget for 2021/2022 (millions)

.................................Revenue ........Expenditure ..........Deficit

Rail ................................64 ...................189 ..................125

Bus ..............................141 ...................376 ...................235

Ferry ..............................13 ....................27 .....................14

Other ...............................7 ....................48 ......................41

Totals .........................225 ...................640 ....................415 million

To be funded by NZTA and Auckland Council subsidies $415 million

 

Auckland Transport cost recovery through fares: 35%. World wide standard 50-60%
SUPERMAXX COST RECOVERY THROUGH TRAVEL PASSES 52%

 

Pre Covid Journeys per year: Rail 21,060,000 ..Bus 65,320,000 ..Ferry 6,630,000

Average per day................................... 57,698 .............178,958 ...18,164

 

Supermaxx Supercity Passes projected revenue

Based on 25% lower usage of Public transport in covid times.

 

Monthly Passes

Adults ...........180,000 x $75 x 11 .........................148,500,000

Concession ....80,000 x $20 x 10 ...........................16,000,000

Senior Passes 155,768 x $10 x 12 .........................18,692,160

7 day passes

Adults ...........      7,000 x $25 x 52 ...........................9,100,000

Concession ........5,000 x $10 x 52 ...........................2,600,000

1 day passes

Adults .................8,000 x $10 x 365 .......................29,200,000

Concession ........3,000 x $5 x 365 ...........................5,475,000

2 hour passes

Adults .................4,000 x $2 x 365 ...........................2,920,000

Concession ........2,000 x $1 x 365 ..............................730,000

Supermaxx total projected revenue................233,217,160

 

Costs with reduced services Buses (950 x $240,000) 228,000,000

Trains $189,000,000. Ferries 27,000,000 216,000,000 

Total costs 444,000,000

 

SUBSIDY REQUIRED (NZTA and COUNCIL).....415,000,000

SUBSIDY REQUIRED SUPERMAXX  .................210,782,840

Subsidy savings $204,217,160 per year ($3,927,253 per week)


Enabled Hop cards ....19 Oct 2016 .......01 Dec 2019

Accessible .........................1,485 .....................2,002

Adult ..............................694,836 ..............1,329,000

Child ..........................        6,904 .................101,023

Secondary student ..........16,125  ..................15,080 

Tertiary student ...............54,952 ...................52,069

Supergold ................      103,113                 155,768

Total .........................................................1,654,942

 

Supermaxx/AT Comparisons

(All AT costs based on average of 21 days (42 trips) use per month)

Supermaxx costs provide unlimited travel for 30 or 7 consecutive days

..........................................AT ...........Supermaxx ..............Save!

Monthly pass bus/train .....$215 ...............$75 .....................$140

7 day Pass .........................N.A. ...............$25

1 day Pass .......................$18 ..................$10......................$8

2 hour pass (First to last boarding) N.A. ....$2

 

......................AT Hop (cash 1 journey) ....Supermaxx..........Save!

1 zone x $2.20 x 2 x 21 .......$92, 40 ($4) .........$75 .............$17.40

2 zones x $3.90 x 2 x 21 .....$163. 80 ($6) .......$75 .............$88.80

3 zones x $5.40 x 2 x 21 .....$226.80 ($8) ........$75 .............$151.80

4 zones x $6.80 x 2 x 21 .....$285.60 ($10) ......$75 .............$210.60

5 zones x $8.00 x 2 x 21 .....$336.00 ($11.50) .$75 .............$261.00

Hop fares – 6 zones $9.20. 7 zones $10.40, 8 zones $11.60. 9 zones $12.60

Above 4 zones the AT monthly pass is cheaper than individual fares at $215 –

AT Monthly Pass $215 x 11 months $2,365 

Supermaxx 30 day Pass $75 x 11 months $ 825 

Supermaxx annual savings with 11 months use $1,540

Aucklanders using public transport regularly have paid excess fares of more than $1 billion since 2007

All Aucklanders have paid in excess public transport subsidies through rates and taxes approximately $800 million since 2007

 

EMISSION REDUCTION 

Average distance travelled by buses per annum in AT service 50,000 km 

CO2 emissions per annum per 46-50 seat diesel bus 82.50 tons 

CO2 emissions per annum per double decker diesel bus 99.64 tons Total annual CO2 emissions for 1,123 single deck buses x 82 92,086 tons 

Total annual CO2 emissions for 203 double deck buses x 99 20,097 tons Total average emissions per annum 112,183 

A simplified but much more effective totally integrated network provided by SUPERMAXX needs approximately 350 less buses providing emission reductions of approximately 31,500 tons per annum.

CARBON SAVINGS If Supermaxx had been introduced when first presented in 2007 there would be at least 441,000 less tons of carbon in the atmosphere. (31,500 x 14 years = 441,000). This does not take into account carbon reduction from private vehicles not used as people discover the benefits of massively reduced fares and better network and schedules and move to Supermaxx..

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SUPERMAXX TRANSPORT HUBS

13 Major Hubs

15 Mini Hubs

14 Major Connecting Points

All transport hubs provide

** Convenient, safe, weather protected interchanges,

** Drop off/Pick up facilities

** Camera monitored, udercover, cycle storage

** Major hubs provide Park and Ride facilities - $5 per day.

 

PRIMARY TRANSPORT HUBS (13)

North

Hibiscus Coast; Albany; Constellation

Central

Britomart; Aotea; Newmarket

West

New Lynn,  Westgate

East 

Panmure; Sylvia Park; Botany

South

 Manukau; Papakura.

 

MINI HUBS (15)

North

Albany, Browns Bay, Glenfield Mall, Smales, Devonport

West

Pt Chevalier, Te Atatu Interchange, Henderson, Mt Albert, Mt Roskill

East

Pakuranga, Howick

South

Onehunga, Airport, Pukekohe.

Major Connecting Points (14)

North

Highbury, Milford, Northcross,

West

Royal Oak, Avondale

East

St  Heliers, Glen Innes, Highland Park, Flat Bush.

South

Mangere Town Centre, Otara, Papatoetoe West, Hunters Corner, Manurewa.

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FARE ZONES & BOUNDARIES

SUPERMAXX   1 Supercity Zone Wellsford to Waiuku

$75 for 30 days

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT

9 zones!       $215 Monthly Pass.

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TIMETABLES

SUPERMAXX

One Supercity timetable to maximise information and ease of city wide travel planning to rule them all. There should be one in every home!

Auckland Transport

Over 50 timetables to confuse them all and maximise printing costs!

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AUCKLAND

Can it be a free flowing, world leading, people friendly, much less congested and polluted, highly liveable city?

YES. It can be with some creative thinking.

Efficiency of travel through the CBD is critical to the success of  'SUPERMAXX” and in making Auckland a highly functional, exciting, and pleasant place to live, work, shop, and play. There is not too much traffic in the inner city. It just takes too long to get anywhere through the CBD through the plethora of traffic lights causing massive unnecessary congestion and pollution. Pedestrians health is badly affected by the excess of emissions. Traffic lights can be reduced and other creative solutions introduced to speed the flow of pedestrians and traffic.

Auckland's central city can be and should be the most walkable in the world!

Separate the traffic modes for the comfort, safety, and health, of all.

BUSES.

Unnecessary duplication of services and 'bus banking' with often 4-6 buses all heading in the same general direction from the city at the same time before branching off can be eliminated. “Supermaxx” is based on two transport hubs at Britomart and Aotea and minimises bus routes coming into and through the inner city with free flowing walkability.

Inner city congestion will be reduced byat least 25% and pollution 50%

No diesel buses should be permitted in the central city after 2025

CENTRAL RAIL LINK

The $5 billion CRL is causing massive disruption and many business failures in the inner city which will continue to the end of 2024 or into 2025. It will make some improvements to the functionality of public transport but is not the 'silver' bullet' claimed for it. It is not worth the money (See Skycabs) but it is a fait accompli and we should maximise the walking connections.

AOTEA BUS HUB – Supermaxx and long distance buses.

Make it the greenest hub in the world!

Long distance buses need to be moved from Skycity. and better facilities provided.

A highly functional integrated bus hub can be built on Mayoral Drive behind Bledisloe House and integrated into Aotea CRL station with offices and/or apartments above.. It ticks all the boxes for a transport hub, easy access to and from the motorway, a wide variety of accommodation nearby, space, and easy walking access to the main inner city. There is no need for Albert St to become a busway. Free flowing walking, and the train to Britomart will be available as well as a limited number of buses.

Lower level: Parking and services for Bledisloe House at current car park level. Major cycle park. (Night market saturday?)

First Level: Supermaxx services, public amenities/waiting room, cafe,

Second level:  Long distance buses. Skycab station?

Weather protected unimpeded free flowing pedestrian access from Aotea station outlets on Wellesley and Victoria Steets, above the Queen St intersection for easy access to library, Art Gallery, Universities, Albert Park etc. Replace the current verandahs on Queen St between Wellesley and Victoria Streets with walkway.

Separated road flyover access from Cook st for buses and pedestrians to 2nd level for easy access.

 

FREE FLOWING QUEEN ST – Mayoral Drive to Queens Wharf

QUAY STREET – LOWER QUEEN ST

A huge opportunity has been lost by not undergrounding Quay St from Commerce St to Princes Wharf while fixing the sea wall. Free flowing vehicles underneath and pedestrian plaza at street level from Customs St to Queens Wharf with access provided for service vehicles to cruise ships and ferries.

1 Build covered Atrium from north side of Customs St to ferry terminal, raised over Quay St, to improve commuters experience getting to and from Britomart, ferries and waterfront.

2 Remove verandahs from one side of Queen St (probably east) from Wellesley St to Victoria St initially and replace at verandah height with covered walkway. Connects with pedestrian overpasses at Wellesley and Victoria Streets and direct access to Aotea rail station.

WYNDHAM STREET

1 Raise east end of Wyndam Street at Queen St by 6 metres for green space, seats, fountain etc.

2 Covered walkway across Queen St and through to High Street

VICTORIA/QUEEN STREET

6 Build covered pedestrian CENTREPOINT interchange with seats coffee etc available - Fabulous sightlines up and and down Queen and Victoria Sts

- Escalator access in line with Queen St on both sides - Lift for accessible access both sides - Level ramp from Victoria Street East and West - Traffic – free flowing left turn at all corners at all times - Traffic will move through 60% faster than now. Less congestion and pollution

WELLESLEY STREET/QUEEN STREET

7. Build funky exciting covered pedestrian overpass over intersection reflecting that this is the entrance to the Entertainment and Education quarters. Enhance Civic Theatre heritage - Similar access features and traffic benefits to Centrepoint

- Easy access from/to Aotea bus/train Station, AUT, UOA, Art Gallery, Town Hall etc

8 Two lane traffic and one cycle lane and one pedestrian lane underpass under Karangahape Rd

9 Roundabout replaces lights at Ian McKinnon/Upper Queen St intersection

10 Remove pedestrian controlled lights between intersections

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INNER CITY NETWORK

SUPERMAXX

14 bus routes travel to and through the inner city, including express buses, offering more frequent and much faster service to suburban Transport hubs and much less congestion and pollution in the city.

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT

Over 60 bus routes travel to and through inner city, causing unnecessary congestion and overloaded bus stops at peak times.

 

INNER CITY

City Link - Inner Link – Outer Link

EAST – WEST

Quay St - Wynyard – Mission Bay – St Heliers – Panmure ..Route 216

Albany -  Britomart - University – Botany .......................Route 100

Wynyard – Papakura via Symonds St and Great South Road ....Route 212

Wynyard – Henderson via Symonds St and New North Rd .........Route 208

Wellesley St Wynyard – Remuera - Panmure ........Route 215

Hibiscus Coast – Aotea – Sylvia Park – Manukau ..Route 101

 

NORTH - SOUTH

Symonds St Britomart – New Lynn via Mt Eden Road ...Route 210

Wynyard – Papakura via Great South Rd ....................,Route 212

Britomart – Botany – via Ellerslie ...................................Route 214

Queen St Britomart - Airport via Newmarket                   Route 211

Britomart – New Lynn via Great North Road ..................Route 207

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NORTHERN REGIONAL BUS SERVICES

Monday – Friday Every 20 minutes 6am – 11am and 2pm - 8pm

Every hour 11am – 2pm and 9pm – 11pm

Sunday Every 30 minutes 8am – 1700

Stops at all stops en route

 

Routes 400 – 403 will be operated as tourist and commuter services

to tourist attractions, vineyards, Kawau ferry, and local communities

 

#400 Wellsford – Warkworth – Albany

....................Wellsford – Albany .................Albany – Wellsford

Wellsford ..............0700 .............................Albany ........0800

Warkworth ............0725 .......................Hibiscus Coast ..0820

Hibiscus Coast ......0755 ...........................Warkworth ....0850

Albany ...................0815 ...........................Wellsford ......0915

 

#401 Warkworth – Matakana – Leigh - Pt Wells -

Omaha - Warkworth–

Warkworth .......0800

Matakana ........0815

Omaha ............0845

Warkworth .......0755

 

#402 Warkworth – Sandspit - Algies Beach – Warkworth

 Algies Bay - Warkworth

Warkworth .......0800

Sandspit ..........0810

Algies Beach ...0820

Sandspit ..........0830

Warkworth .......0840

 

#403 Hibiscus Coast–Orewa-Waiwera–Puhoi

Hibiscus Coast – Warkworth ............Warkworth – Hibiscus Coast

Hibiscus Coast ...0700 .....................Warkworth ...........0800

Orewa ................0708 .....................Waiwera ..............0810

Waiwera .............0720 .....................Orewa .................0822

Puhoi .................0730 .....................Hibiscus Coast ....0830

This service connects with service 400 at State Highway 1.

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MARVELLOUS MATAKANA

Explore and enjoy the wineries, craft shops, boutique food stores, restaurants, cafes, and the market of Matakana. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCOVER KAWAU ISLAND

Please note ferry fares to Kawau Island are not included in Supermaxx passes.

Ferry timetable as at 15 August, 2021

Timetable from Sandspit 01 October – 30 April

Depart 8am 10.30am 2.30pm 4pm 6.30pm

Fare as at 15 August 2021 Adults $58 return Child (5-15) $34  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUSWAY AND MOTORWAY EXPRESS

 

...........Hibiscus Coast Station ....... .......O ......

............20 mins

............Albany Station .................... ......O ......O

............10 mins

...........Constellation Station ............O ......O .....O

.............3 mins

.............Sunnynook Station .............O ......O .....O

.............2 mins

O...Westgate ......

......5 mins

.............Smales Station ...................O .......O .....O

.............4 mins

O Lincoln Rd

...10 mins

..............Akoranga Station ..............O........ O ......O

...............20 mins

O ..Pt Chevalier ...............................O.........O.......O

.....10 mins

O............Aotea ................ ............................O .....O

...............Britomart ................................................ O

Onehunga .................... O 

Hospital ........................................................O

University ..............................................................O

Airport ............................O

Newmarket ...................................................O

Sylvia Park ...................................................O........O

Pakuranga .............................................................O

Manukau ......................................................O

.Botany....................................................................O

Takanini........................................................O

Papakura .....................................................O

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NORTH–SOUTH BUSWAY

and Motorways SH1, SH16, SH20 

Stops only at points mentioned.

#100 Albany – Britomart - Botany. Botany - Britomart - Albany

Services Monday – Saturday Every 10 minutes 6am – 7pm 

Every 20 minutes 7pm – midnight

Every hour 1am – 5am

Sunday Every 20 minutes 7am – 11pm

Every hour midnight - 6am

Via Fanshawe Street

Albany - Botany................................Botany - Albany

Albany ..............0700 ......................Botany ...........0800

Constellation ....0705 ......................Pakuranga .....0810

Sunnynook .......0708 ......................Sylvia Park .... 0820

Smales .............0710 ......................University .......0835

Akoranga .........0712 ......................Britomart .........0842

Britomart ..........0728 ......................Akoranga ........0858

University .........0735 ......................Smales ............0900

Sylvia Park .......0750 ......................Sunnynook ......0904

Pakuranga .......0800 ......................Constellation ....0907

Botany .............0810 ......................Albany ..............0917

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#101 Hibiscus - Albany – Aotea - Newmarket - Manukau - Papakura

Services Monday – Saturday Every 10 minutes 7am - 7pm

Every 20 minutes 7.20 – 11.40pm

Sunday Every 20 minutes 8am - 8pm

Hibiscus Coast - Papakura.................Papakura - Hibiscus Coast

Hibiscus Coast ........0725 ......................Papakura ..........0900

Albany .....................0735 .....................Takanini .............0905

Constellation ...........0738 ......................Manukau ...........0915

Sunnynook ..............0740 ......................Sylvia Park .......0925

Smales ....................0742 ......................Via Market Rd off ramp

Akoranga ................0746 .......................Newmarket .......0935

Via Cook St off ramp–Mayoral Drive .......Hospital ............0940

Aotea ......................0800 .......................Aotea ...............0945

Hospital ...................0805 .......................Victoria Park ....0950

Newmarket ..............0810 .......................Akoranga .........1000

St Marks Rd on ramp ..............................Smales .............1004

Sylvia Park ..............0820 .......................Sunnynook .......1006

Manukau .................0830 .......................Constellation .....1008

Takanini....................0840 .......................Albany ...............1011

Papakura .................0845 ......................Hibiscus Coast ....1021

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#102 Constellation – Airport - Constellation

Services daily Routes 102-105 Every 20 minutes 7am – 11pm

Stops only at points listed Services increased subject to demand

Constellation – Airport ....................Airport - Constellation

Constellation ..............0705 ................Airport ..........0820

Sunnynook .................0708 ...............Onehunga .....0840

Smales .......................0710 ................Pt Chevalier ..0850

Akoranga ...................0713 ................Akoranga ......0902

Pt Chevalier ..............0725 .................Smales ..........0905

Onehunga .................0735 .................Sunnynook ...0907

Airport .......................0755 .................Constellation .0910

 

#103 Westgate – Aotea ....................Aotea - Westgate

Westgate ...................0700 .................Aotea ..............0740

Lincoln Road .............0705 .................Pt Chevalier ....0750

Te Atatu .....................0710 ................Te Atatu ...........0755

Pt Chevalier ..............0715 .................Lincoln Road ...0800

Aotea ........................0725 .................Westgate .........0805 

 

#104 Britomart – Aotea – Pt Chevalier – Onehunga - Airport

Services daily Every 10 minutes 6am - midnight

Britomart – Airport ..........................Airport – Britomart

Britomart .......0700 ............................Airport ...........0800

Aotea ............0705 ............................Onehunga .....0815

Pt Chevalier ..0715 ............................Pt Chevalier..  0825

Onehunga ....0725 ............................Aotea ............ 0835

Airport ..........0740 ............................Britomart .........0840

 

#105 Westgate – Aotea ...........................Aotea - Westgate

Westgate .................0700 ....................Aotea ............0740

Lincoln Road ...........0705 ....................Pt Chevalier ..0750

Te Atatu ...................0710 ...................Te Atatu .........0755

Pt Chevalier .............0715 ...................Lincoln Road .0800

Aotea ......................0725 ....................Westgate .......0805

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SUPERMAXX PRIMARY SERVICES - the core of the Supermaxx network. 24 hour frequent services connecting with all other services.

Services Monday – Saturday Every 10 minutes 7am – 7pm...(Every 5 minutes at peak times)

Every 20 minutes 6am – 7am... 7pm-12pm

Every hour 1am – 5am

Sunday Every 20 minutes 7am – 11pm

Every hour 12am – 6am

Services stop at all stops en route

 

#200 Britomart – Highbury - Glenfield – Albany

Via Onewa Rd, Glenfield Rd, Unsworth Drive – Bush Road

.......................Britomart – Albany ............Albany – Britomart

Britomart ................0700 .......................Albany ............0750

Highbury ................0715 ...................... Glenfield Mall ..0805

Glenfield Mall ........0725 ........................Highbury .........0815

Albany 0740 Britomart 0830

 

#201 Aotea – Birkenhead – Beach Haven - Glenfield

Via Victoria St, Fanshawe St, Onewa Rd, Highbury, Mokoia Rd, Birkdale Rd, Kaipatiki Rd Glenfield Mall. (5 minute services via Rangatira Road)

..............................Aotea – Beach Haven .......Beach Haven – Aotea

Aotea .............................0700 ....................Glenfield Mall .........0750

Highbury ........................0715 .....................Beach Haven ........0755

Verrans Corner ..............0725 .....................Verrans Corner ....0805

Beach Haven .................0735 ......................Highbury ..............0815

Glenfield Mall .................0740 ......................Aotea ...................0830

#202 Britomart – Takapuna – Northcross - Albany

Via Takapuna, Milford, East Coast Road,

...............................Britomart – Albany ...............Albany - Britomart

Britomart .........................0700 ............................Albany ..... 0800

Takapuna ........................0715 ............................Northcross 0805

Milford .............................0720 ............................Milford .......0825

Northcross ...................... 0740 ...........................Takapuna ..0830

Albany .............................0745 ............................Britomart ...0845

 

#203 Aotea – Constellation – Browns Bay - Albany

Via Victoria St, Busway, Akoranga, Smales, Forrest Hill Rd, Blakeborough, Sycamore, Constellation, East Coast Road, Browns Bay, Albany


More info ( 7 MB)

INTERISLANDER WOES:  (This was sent to every Central Government  politician on friday 21st June - the day before the Aratere grounding!)

As a tour operator and organiser of tours including trains and Interisland ferries I have a vested interest in what is happening with the Interislander replacements and am deeply, deeply, concerned. I started my working life in Christchurch with Union Steamship Company and spent 3 years in their office and 6 years at sea as a Purser. This included the first and last years on the Wellington/Lyttelton ferries and a few months on the first rail ferries, plus the Pacific Islands and South Asia services. In 1968 I was appointed Chief Purser to the t.e.v. Maori and was involved in the discussions at Head Office in regard to the replacement for the "Wahine", including travelling on a few overnight ferries in Europe while on leave to see trends. My suggestion to them was 2 ships to the maximum size capable of handling the treacherous waters of Tory channel entrance safely. These would have been capable of carrying around 300 berthed passengers, 1,000 on recliner stye seating, plus vehicles serving both Lyttelton and Picton. The suggestions were not adopted and the Union Company built a great ship for the 1950's ("Rangatira") and killed the service.

The Kiwirail oversized new ferries should never have been ordered. I was in Picton on a cruise 18 months ago and the Marlborough Harbour Board were expressing concern then about their size. The Harbour Board has since stated that no ship over 187 metres long can use Tory Channel. The new ferries were to be 220 metres. Size matters in the tricky channel.

Nicola Willis has cancelled the contract seemingly with no clear plan as to how to meet the needs of this critical part of our transport infrastructure. She formed an advisory group on which, to the best of my knowledge, no one has any maritime experience!!

A very good fixed price contract had been negotiated with the Korean shipyard and rather than slashing and burning, a new contract should have been negotiated basically downsizing the ship plans by 20% which would have brought them very close to the dimensions of the 3 biggest current ferries.   In addition to being able to handle Tory Channel safely they would be able to use the current terminals in Wellington and Picton with little or no modification or cost. It seems we are up for massive cancellation costs.

INTRODUCE SUPERMAXX AND government (NZTA) WILL SAVE $200 MILLION PER YEAR IN SUBSIDIES. THE FIXED PRICE CONTRACT FOR BULDING THE NEW FERRIES WAS $551 MILLION. 

TWO NEW FERRIES FOR 3 YEARS SAVINGS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUBSIDIES and the ferries are paid for!!!

Unfortunately the concept of getting vastly better outcomes for considerably less cost is unknown to NZTA, Auckland Transport, and Auckland Council.

Kiwirail squandered around $424 million on the IREX project which was totally wasted

I would greatly appreciate your examining this and giving me your comments

Stephen Greenfield

Auckland Transport Consultancy/New Zealand Tours

Auckland, New Zealand

Telephone 0800 309 196. Mobile 021 174 9588

email: steve@nztours.nz

web: www.newzealandtours/supermaxx

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'CLIMATE EMERGENCY'. 

It is utterly hypocritical to declare a 'Climate Emergency' and refuse to make the basic changes that would make a real difference to our carbon emissions. The refined Supermaxx network actually provides 20% more capacity with 350 less buses reducing carbon emissions by at least 31,500 tons per annum. In addition to that would be the huge reduction in emissions and congestion as commuters move from cars to public transport with the much better schedules and network, and hugely reduced fares provided by Supermaxx. If Supermaxx had been introduced in 2007 there would be at least 700,000 less tons of CO2 in the atmosphere now.

Wellington is rapidly moving to an electric bus fleet including having double deckers on the road that can operate for 200 km per charge and a 15 minute full charge capability. Auckland cannot even begin to catch up. 

 

Auckland needs Supermaxx

"Supermaxx" is an effective, low cost, affordable, integrated, public transport system for Auckland which can commence within 6 months. It was first offered to Auckland (ARTA, ARC, and Auckland City Council) in 2007.


"Supermaxx" is a time based fare system offering 2 hour, 1 day, 7 day, and 30 day electronic passes. Main unit is a 30 day pass for $70 providing unlimited travel on all train and bus services and the Devonport ferry in the area bounded by Albany, Papakura, Swanson, Howick. This is a massive cost reduction for most commuters. "Supermaxx" will reduce the subsidies required by $70-$80 million per annum.

It is long past time we took action to bring our transport system into the 21st Century. The original "Supermaxx" proposal was presented to ARC, ARTA, Plus Auckland, Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore and Papakura City Councils in early 2007. It could have been introduced by early 2008. If it had been introduced then:
** Ratepayers and taxpayers would have saved over $1 billion dollars in rates and taxes now paid for excessive operating subsidies.
** Commuters would have saved over $1 billion in excess fares
** Over 500,000 tons less of carbon and other pollutants would have been pumped into our skies.
** Aucklanders would have enjoyed a far more functional public transport system - and the transport fiasco of World Cup opening night would not have happened!

 

Features
** Integrated bus and train public transport from Wellsford to Waiuku, Helensville and Piha to Beachlands
** Introduction of express services using motorways where possible between transport hubs and major connector points integrated with primary, secondary, and local bus routes.
Primary services feature Services every 10 minutes 7am - 7pm monday - saturday, 20 minutes at off peak times and hourly on primary routes from midnight to 6am. 
** Introduction of LOCAL and REGIONAL bus services
** Devonport ferry now incorporated to relieve pressure on Lake Rd.
** Over 90% of Aucklanders (Metro area Albany to Papakura - Swanson to Howick) will now be within a 15 minute walk of a "Supermaxx" bus or train stop. 
** Unlimited travel passes on all train, bus, and Devonport ferry services between Albany and Papakura, Swanson and Howick,
$2 for 2 hours, 
$5 for one day,
$20 for 7 days,
and $70 for 30 days.

REGIONAL PASSES - all bus and train services plus Devonport ferry, Wellsford to Waiuku. $5 for 2 hour pass, $10 for 1 day pass, $30 for 7 day pass, $90 for 30 day pass. 
 

CHALLENGE

My Challenge to Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Minister of Transport and Prime Minister for the past 10 years has been to

1. Find a better programme to provide the best possible public transport for Auckland in the shortest possible time at the lowest possible cost OR

2. Prove that Supermaxx will not work OR 

3. Implement SUPERMAXX immediately to cater for the  increasing numbers using public transport through financial stringency. The current minor hugely expensive and poorly implemented incremental improvements under the 'new network'  will not do this.

Transport

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