EP06: Pete Moth, Head of Public Transport Services at Auckland Transport

This week, we had the priveledge to converse with Pete Moth, Head of Public Transport Services (Planning and Development) at Auckland Transport. Pete is an experienced transport planner and people leader with a successful career spanning the UK and New Zealand. Pete is a key authority on the intricacies and big picture items of Auckland's growing public transport network Here's what we cover in this discussion: Pete's background as a Transport Planner. Auckland's ongoing transformation, from a tram network in the 1950's to grappling with sprawling growth and historically car-oriented policy decisions. Addressing transport inequity, particularly in South and West Auckland, and AT's initiatives to tackle it. The essential elements of a robust public transport network design, including rapid transit, high frequency, and improving journey reliability. Effects of COVID and the work from home revolution on travel patterns. City Rail Link, which will double the capacity of trains through central stations and its broader benefits for the network. Auckland Transport's efforts to integrate public transport with other modes such as cycling, walking, and rail. The importance of taking stakeholders on a journey with AT. My favorite takeaways: Surprisingly, there were more public transport boardings in the 1950s, during Auckland's tram network era, compared to today. Pre 2018, only 1 in 12 people made transfers in their public transport journeys, a figure that has now doubled to 1 in 6. Despite accounting for less than 2% of traffic, buses carry nearly half the number of people crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge during peak times. A staggering comparison: 350 morning buses heading into Auckland city transport the same number of people as 20,000 cars! AT's ambitious de-carbonisation programme, with around 180 of our 1300 buses running electric and plan for the whole fleet to be electric by 2035. Thanks for listening! We'd love to hear your feedback on how we can make these discussions even more insightful for our listeners. Send us you're feedback here - [email protected] Massive thanks to our guest Pete Moth.