Transport changes
Auckland is changing the way transport is:
- governed
- planned
- delivered.
This is called transport reform.
Background to the changes
In 2025, the government agreed to make changes to laws, giving Auckland Council more control over transport decisions.
It also agreed to a smaller council-controlled organisation (CCO) to deliver public transport services. The rest of Auckland Transport's responsibilities will move to Auckland Council.
To allow this change, the government released draft legislation which has since been through the parliamentary process. The bill had its third reading on 30 April 2026, with members voting in favour. It is now the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Act 2026.
Auckland Council has released a new Transport Policy Statement which sets out the region’s priorities for transport planning and investment. This document will guide how the council and the new public transport CCO plan, fund and deliver transport services over the coming years.
What transport reform will do
Transport reform will:
- change the way Auckland Council and the government work together and plan transport with 10-year and 30-year plans
- support a great customer experience by focusing the CCO on reliable, efficient and safe public transport
- plan transport and development together to support regional growth
- build trust and confidence by making decisions clearer and more local.
What happens next
There will now be a maximum six-month transition period to set up the public transport CCO and move other functions into Auckland Council.
This transition period will finish by the end of October 2026. Auckland Transport will continue to operate until the transition is complete.
Visit OurAuckland for more updates.
Other upcoming decisions
Over the next few months, we will need to:
- finalise the legally required transition plan to guide the changes
- confirm the detailed design for how the new public transport CCO and council will work
- approve the final structure and staffing for the two organisations
- create a new board for the public transport CCO
- make any other changes needed before the new arrangements begin.
We will update this page as more information becomes available.