Auckland Transport is working to create a rapid transit network with high-frequency, high-quality services that do not get held up by road traffic congestion.

Such a system, mooted since the 1950s, is now becoming a reality. The first phase of construction of the rapid transit network includes upgrading and expanding the rail network and the Northern Busway.

Suburban and town centres, and local neighbourhoods, which are not situated on the Busway or rail corridor will be served by ferry and bus services, which can connect commuters to the high-speed network.

Although still in development, improvements towards a rapid transit network have seen the number of people using public transport rise. In August 2010, ARTA reported that 60 million journeys were taken on public transport in the previous year - an increase of almost 2 million boardings. ARTA’s Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie said, “Total patronage for the financial year was 60,618,292 boardings, with buses, trains and ferries all seeing good increases in usage.