Matt Lowrie

Matt Lowrie is the editor of the Auckland transport and urban design blog greaterauckland.org.nz

Auckland
Feb 13, 2019

Queens Wharf is one of Auckland's best public spaces. Why is it being given away to buses?

Auckland Transport's plans for the Queens Wharf ferry terminal include a wide bus lane to serve cruise ship passengers on the wharf's eastern side – effectively closing the wharf to the public over summer.

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Auckland
Nov 2, 2018

The drab and depressing debacle on Albert St

The City Rail Link could have been an opportunity to rejuvenate one of Auckland's most unlovely thoroughfares. Instead, Albert St seems likely to end up looking even worse than before.

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Auckland
May 10, 2018

My commute? Walk-train-walk-bus-bike. Bring on multi-modal Auckland

Matt Lowrie on his epic daily commute, and the direction of travel for public transport in NZ.

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Politics
Apr 4, 2018

This plan signals a major gear shift for transport in New Zealand

The new government yesterday announced its blueprint for an overhaul of transport funding in New Zealand. Matt Lowrie of Greater Auckland delivers his verdict. 

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Auckland
Jan 26, 2018

Auckland Transport goes rogue

Yesterday Auckland Transport released a draft budget with massive cuts to previously stated public transport priorities including cycling and light rail. Then last night transport minister Phil Twyford said it was all a cock-up. So what happened? Matt Lowrie of Greater Auckland reviews.

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Auckland
Nov 29, 2017

How a long-delayed report reveals the true value of rail to New Zealand

Greater Auckland's Matt Lowrie looks at the hidden benefits of rail outlined in a 2016 NZTA report released just this week, which transport minister Phil Tywford says was intentionally sat on by the previous government.

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Auckland
Oct 23, 2017

What the new government means for transport in Auckland

There are few areas of government policy in which the gap between National and Labour was as stark as in transport. We syndicate Greater Auckland's Matt Lowrie on the likely priorities of the incoming government.

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Auckland
Aug 31, 2017

Twenty million trips! Auckland rail has come a long way in a very short time

Auckland's public transport renaissance reached a major milestone today with the announcement that 20 million trips were made on the rail network within a single year, almost double what it was just four years ago. To mark the occasion, Matt Lawrie of Greater Auckland looks back at how commuter train travel in the city was saved from the brink of extinction.

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Auckland
Jul 21, 2017

What lies beneath: the plan to open Albert Park’s tunnels

A near-flat six-minute walk from the east end of Victoria St all the way to Stanley St? Walking, or biking, through tunnels under Albert Park, with lifts up to the universities. …

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Auckland
Oct 10, 2016

Six priorities for Mayor Goff’s first six months

It's a good time to become mayor of Auckland, but there's a huge challenge ahead. Matt Lowrie of Transport Blog offers some constructive advice for Phil Goff's early mayoralty. Dear Phil, Congratulations …

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Auckland
Sep 14, 2016

You wait for ages then two plans crucial to Auckland’s future come along at once

Hot on the heels of the Unitary Plan, the Auckland Transport Alignment Project report is published tomorrow, and it, too, is absolutely critical for the city. Transport Blog guru-in-chief Matt Lowrie explains what ATAP is all about and why it matters.

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Auckland
Jun 22, 2016

The green light for Auckland road pricing is a breakthrough for a city blighted by political bickering

The government's change of heart on charging for use of Auckland roads at last releases the handbrake on planning for the region's transport future, writes Matt Lowrie.

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Society
May 6, 2016

Electric cars are terrific. Putting them in bus lanes is bonkers

Opinion: The government wants more electric vehicles on NZ roads. But the plan to let them drive in bus lanes can only throw improvements in bus services into reverse, writes Matt Lowrie.

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