Auckland councillors will today confirm three options for charging commuters to drive in and out of the city during peak times.
One option was to charge commuters entering the city centre during rush hour, while another included city fringe suburbs like Newmarket and Newton, and possibly Ponsonby and Parnell.
A third option would also include core motorways such as from the Harbour Bridge to Point Chevalier and Mount Wellington.
Waitākere ward councillor Shane Henderson said any charges would need to be balanced with investment in transport alternatives.
"In West Auckland that means the northwestern busway will need to be committed to by the government ... because people need proper alternatives."
Henderson said it was important to get Aucklanders' feedback on the three proposals.
"We're putting it out to the people, and saying 'what do you think about this?' And we'll go from there."
After the options are confirmed by the transport and infrastructure delivery committee, initial public consultation will start in mid-November before an option is decided on in 2027.
Council documents described the city centre option as the "fairest, simplest and likely most feasible scheme," but noted it would raise limited revenue to improve public transport.
Charges for this option would be around $3-$4 in the morning peak, and $2-$3 in the afternoon.
The city-fringe option was described as "significantly improved effectiveness compared to the city centre cordon," but noted that it would include Auckland Hospital.
Charges for this option would be in the order of $5-$6 in the morning peak, and $2-$3 in the afternoon.
The option including the core motorways was described as "providing significant net revenue to fund improved public transport alternatives" such as rapid bus transit routes next to motorways.
Charges for this option could range from $5 to $7 and would likely only apply in the peak direction.
Council documents estimated the charges could save drivers four minutes per trip for the city centre option - up to 12 minutes per trip if core motorways are included. After an option is confirmed in 2027, it would be ratified and get ministerial approval in 2028.
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