Auckland Transport to Increase Parking Charges

Auckland Transport (AT), is taking a new initiative to optimize its revenue streams while simultaneously decreasing its dependence on rates funding, namely by increasing parking fees. From Monday, 28 August 2023,  hourly charges for on-street parking and Auckland Transport-managed carparks will increase by $1 an hour.

The upcoming changes mark the first comprehensive region-wide adjustment to parking charges since November 2010. The AT-owned Downtown Carpark on Customs St West will also see changes, with its weekday price cap dropping from $40 to $24, and its off-peak evening and weekend day-long parking caps rising from $10 to $15. No price caps at any other AT parking facilities are changing at the moment

The increased revenue is expected to be reinvested into enhancing the quality and accessibility of Auckland's transportation infrastructure.

 "Auckland Transport should look at opportunities to increase external income and reduce reliance on rates funding. One key area Auckland Transport should investigate is increasing revenue from parking. Currently, Auckland Transport is undercutting market rates for parking, which is not appropriate in this environment." - Mayor Want Brown

The changes follow a Letter of Expectations from Mayor Brown in December directing AT to review its parking prices. The increase in parking charges are deemed necessary to "ensure that parking is available for those who need it, while also generating revenue to support AT's transport services."

AT executive manager of service delivery Andrew Allen said that the new parking charges would be more aligned with public transport fares. 

"These changes are also consistent with Auckland Transport’s Room to Move strategy which outlines how Auckland’s management of parking can help improve the efficiency of our roads, while keeping parking options available for Aucklanders who need them"

The efforts of Auckland Transport to reassess its parking charges and introduce trial programs signal positive changes in revenue management and resource allocation. As the organization undertakes these measures under the guidance of Mayor Wayne Brown, it underscores AT's commitment to its constituents, ensuring the  in Auckland's transportation landscape.

For more information or inquiries about these changes, interested parties are encouraged to stay connected with Auckland Transport through their official communication channels.