Transport, along with housing, represents Auckland's most significant challenge and underpins many of the things Council is trying to achieve for Auckland. Auckland Transport also represents the council's largest investment. Ultimately, it is the elected members of the council who are accountable to the public in terms of the effectiveness and efficiency of this spending. Overall, the City expects the Council to have good visibility into operational decision making. Auckland Transport not only acts as a transport planner, but as a place-maker (in collaboration with local authorities), an urban regenerator and a key contributor to improving Auckland's environmental sustainability. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay We invite you to broaden your perspective beyond transportation models and engage with the City, its plans and other CCOs. This will require a courageous balance between movement and place, and a courageous commitment to reallocating road space towards public transport and active modes. Auckland's growth means the efficiency of our existing transport network needs to be constantly improved. The bus network is the backbone of public transport and this needs to be recognized when prioritising. We encourage you to consider expanding lane networks, extending lane operating hours, and removing or modifying on-street parking. We recognize that while it is important for Auckland Transport to make evidence-based decisions, these can be difficult as conflicts arise between perceived local needs and network priority. Greater focus on effective communication, consultation and problem solving is needed. We would be happy to discuss how we could support you with this. Council would like the draft SOI to highlight Auckland Transport's commitment to working with council on strategic issues and implementing existing strategies. Council would also welcome a commitment from Auckland Transport to operate without surprises, indicating to Council as early as possible Auckland Transport's operational decisions that may have significant strategic implications. Some specific short-term examples are: Keep in mind: This is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Recent work undertaken by Auckland Transport in relation to the city center transport network has strategic implications for the city center master plan, and should be addressed through an update to that plan rather than through decisions made by Auckland Transport alone The work undertaken by Auckland Transport in greenfield growth areas must be consistent with the land use strategies adopted by the Council, including the Unitary Plan and the Future Urban Land Supply Strategy (FULSS). Other key areas to include in the SOI include: Ensuring alignment between the updated Auckland Plan, the Long Term Plan (LTP) and the next Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP): the RLTP must reflect council direction as articulated in the LTP and an updated Auckland Plan. Alignment includes using the same budget information across all three plans. Work collaboratively with the municipality and other CCOs on the Housing Infrastructure Fund. Collaborate with the Municipality to implement and incorporate ATAP's strategic approach and recommendations, too 2018.