Auckland may have the worst traffic congestion in New Zealand, but its residents are the least likely to change the way they get to and from work, a survey published today by research firm HERE Technology has found.
Almost half (46%) of Aucklanders responding to the survey say driving is the fastest and most convenient commuting option, and the same number is willing to accept the city’s notorious traffic in favour of keeping their routine and car.
HERE surveyed 1000 people aged over 18 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, asking how congestion is affecting their commuter transport choices, what changes they’d be willing to make and what might be holding them back.
The survey also shows that 37% of New Zealanders are resigned to traffic congestion as “just a part of life.”
Aucklanders were most likely to accept traffic as a part of life (46%), with 48% using public transport more, and the same number willing to try it.
Wellingtonians were the most likely to sell their car in favour of rideshare (59.9%), with 42% using public transport more.
People in Christchurch were the most varied in how they commute but were the least likely to sell their car (62% wouldn’t even consider it) and are using public transport less than other cities (29%).
Nationally, 43.8% are willing to choose their mode of transport based on real-time traffic updates, and potentially avoid adding to already-busy roads.
Far fewer are willing to cycle or walk more often (21.7%) or try working more flexible hours (15%).
Almost a third (29.6%) say concerns about the planet are not influencing their commuting decisions, with the remainder primarily taking public transport (37.8%) or walking and cycling (37.5%) more.
HERE says 70% report they’ve changed their commute in some way in response to climate change, but only 4% have sold their cars
Daniel Antonello, head of HERE’s Oceania division says cities like Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch ranked in the top 10 for congestion problems across the region last year, and Auckland is losing around $3.5million per day to traffic congestion.
“More to the point, traffic jams are the largest cause of air pollution and one of the largest contributors to excessive carbon footprints. They impact people’s happiness, where they choose to live, how productive we are as a society, and the success of our economy.”
He says location technology and historical traffic data can help New Zealand’s major cities make more informed decisions on urban planning and infrastructure projects.
“Moreover, giving commuters access to this real-time data empowers them to make more informed transport choices, ensuring congestion isn’t just something we have to live with.”
