Climate-friendly transport projects | Hamilton City Council

Programme summary

What we're doing

We’re working towards a low-emission transport system with more ways for people to move around the city.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is covering about 90% of the cost for a suite of walking, biking and public transport upgrades that will help us reduce transport emissions and make it easier for people to move around the city.

Why we need to change gears

Until now, Hamilton Kirikiriroa has been geared towards one form of transport—cars—but this no longer works for the health of our community or our environment.

Transport in Hamilton currently makes up about 64% of the city’s total emissions. Under Council’s climate change strategy, Our Climate Future: Te Pae Tawhiti o Kirikiriroa, Hamilton aims to reduce its overall emissions by at least 30% by 2030.

Hamilton’s biking network is like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle. Unsafe sections put people off riding. The more pieces we complete, the easier it will be for more people to jump on their bikes, which is a win for everyone.

Public transport needs to be a viable option for more people. Safer crossings, wider footpaths and upgraded bus stops will help make the bus service more accessible. Where in-lane bus stops are used, it will be easier for people to physically get on and off their bus. In-lane bus stops also help keep buses on time because they don’t get stuck waiting to merge back into traffic.

Climate Emergency Response Fund

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is funding approximately 90% for the suite of projects. Their contribution is $33.2 million and Council will contribute an additional $3.8 million to bring the total package of projects to $37 million.

The Waka Kotahi funding comes from their Transport Choices programme which is part of the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund. Transport Choices supports councils to begin immediate work to develop safer, greener and healthier travel options.

How the projects fit into our transport strategy

The projects have been chosen because they address some unsafe and difficult areas along key routes, opening our streets for more people.

Walking, biking and public transport upgrades are a key part of the council’s strategy to make the city more accessible. Our transport strategy, Access Hamilton—Ara Kootuitui Kirikiriroa, has a strong focus on improving safety and connectivity between suburbs as well as reducing emissions and pollution.

Our transport network enables everyone to connect to people and places in safe, accessible and smart ways

Where are we at?

Planning

2022

Waka Kotahi Transport Choices programme

As part of Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund, the Transport Choices programme was set up to support councils to begin immediate work to develop safer, greener and healthier travel options.
Council put forward 28 initiatives for funding and were approved for all of them.
Underway

2023

Rubber hits road

These projects include Strategic biking and micro mobility improvements, Public transport improvements and work to promote walkable neighbourhoods. All to address some unsafe and difficult areas along key routes, opening our streets for more people.
Each project includes planning and consulting with the community in the areas.
Completed

July 2024

Works complete

By July 2024 we expect all projects to be finished.

Programme partners

Frequently asked questions

What is the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF)?

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time and transport is a major source of emissions. In 2022 the Government created the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which included $1.2 billion for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to reduce emissions. Some of that funding has been made available to councils through the Waka Kotahi Transport Choices funding package.

What are the 28 projects?

The projects cover a range of biking, walking and public transport improvements. They include:

connected, separated, safe biking routes
bike and scooter parking in key destinations
better public transport infrastructure
wide, high-quality footpaths between key destinations.

What is the purpose of these projects?

The aim of the projects is to make low carbon travel more attractive and accessible for people who walk, bus and bike, through fixing unsafe and difficult parts of key travel routes.

When can we expect construction to start/end?

The projects are at different stages and will be constructed at different times. We will update the website as timeframes become clearer for each project.

How much disruption will this number of projects cause across the city?

As with any road works or infrastructure upgrade, there will be a bit of disruption near each project, although it will depend on the size of the project. The more disruptive projects are those that involve changes to intersection layouts. Generally, the projects are small or medium improvements, and they are in different areas of the city. It is an ambitious programme, but the projects have been selected because they can be done relatively quickly.

Where can I find information about each project?

The projects are at different stages. We will consult with businesses and residents in each area as the projects develop and we will post information about each project on our website as soon as it is available.