Greater Wellington has set out a “pathway” advising what the Wellington region and central government must do to play their parts in cutting transport emissions by 41 percent by 2035, on the path to net zero emissions (across all sectors) by 2050.
The initial top two regional targets are:
- reduce the amount of passenger vehicle kilometres per person by 25% by 2035;
- reduce all road transport-generated carbon emissions by 35% by 2030.
It immediately admits that these ambitious targets can’t be reached by the combined efforts of the nine councils and GWRC only.
“We need central government to set in place the necessary legislative and regulatory changes, to fund public and active transport infrastructure and to incentivise the shifts we need across all sectors.”
The “Pathway” document makes no comment on the government’s recent decisions on the public and private transport sectors and the climate space.
But it claims “it (the Pathway plan) will enable councils and communities of the region to effectively advocate for the support we need to play our part in the Net Zero 2050 goal.”
At the same time it admits that its extensive modelling shows the sheer extent of the interventions required to achieve a 25% reduction in per capita vehicle travel by 2035.
“While changing land use (more compact, public transport-integrated urban form) will be the most powerful lever over the long term, it will make negligible difference over the period to 2035 (the focus of this strategy). Nevertheless, our vision for the region must take the long-term view,” the report notes.
It adds that “light vehicle emissions reduction is the strongest area of focus in the Pathway because this is the area that we as councils and partners are most able to influence through investment in public and active transport, urban planning and traffic demand management (but within a regime set by central government).”
Chair of GWRC regional transport committee Adrienne Staples said a key focus is on increased transport choice through reliable public transport – reducing dependence on private vehicles.
This will mean reduced emissions, “cleaner air, less congested and safer roads – all at lower cost because (the region) will be building more mixed-use, compact communities … where public and active transport infrastructure already exists.”
The Wellington – Kapiti Coast and Masterton transport corridors likely will see the key transport and infrastructure developments, while Martinborough is seen as a spur offshoot from the main corridor.
“The benefits of creating low-emissions cities, towns and rural communities … include … safer and healthier communities, thriving local economies and cultural centres, ecological restoration and ecosystem services benefits. Namely, a resilient, low-carbon region fit for the future.”
In other words from the report: “building our cities, towns and rural communities so that people have access to most of the services and amenities they need for a ‘good life’ within a short walk, cycle or public transport trip of their home.”
The report’s final section sets “Commitments” towards vehicle travel and transport emissions reduction goals, and “ultimately towards a more resilient, low-carbon and liveable region.”
A table of “Our Commitments” includes:
Congestion charging, regional cycle network, decarbonise bus fleet from 2025, develop lower North Island freight strategy, decarbonise rail freight, support Electric Vehicle uptake for car-sharing.
Full report: Wellington Regional Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway:
