Overall Transport Policy Objective

The New Zealand transport system must contribute maximum benefit at minimum cost to New Zealand, consistent with sustainable development.

In order to achieve that the Government will provide a comprehensive policy framework which will:	The Government expects to see the following results:
Accessibility ensure that the transport system meets the needs of all New Zealanders	Accessibility outcome all New Zealanders are able to use the transport system at a reasonable cost
Integrated transport system ensure competitive neutrality between the various forms of transport	Integrated transport system outcome a regulatory environment that encourages competition between all sectors of New Zealand's transport industry
Economic efficiency ensure that transport management and funding is conducted on a commercial basis that is responsive to user needs, does not distort consumer decisions, provides greater choice, and encourages innovation ensure that each transport operation incorporates the actual costs, including safety and environmental costs, that it generate	Economic efficiency outcomes an enterprising and innovative transport system that supports economic growth and competitive links with other countries investments are directed towards those services that users are willing to pay for at their actual cost there are built in incentives for transport operators to manage risk the potential for abuse of market power by natural monopolies in the transport sector is minimised there are liberal and flexible transport arrangements with other countries costs generated by transport operations are properly identified & quantified users of transport systems are faced with their actual costs through prices or regulations, whichever is more efficient
Safety guide the development of operational safety policies to: improve safety for everyone, through a continuous process of identifying and managing risk at reasonable cost develop and strengthen accountability for safety among providers of transport services	Safety outcomes the safest transport that is attainable at reasonable cost providers of transport services are increasingly accountable for safety
Environment manage the impact of transport on the environment by: promoting the sustainable management of natural and physical resources through the Resource Management Act 1991 taking other action where appropriate, or as part of a broad economy wide response, to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of the transport system on the natural and physical environment	Environment outcomes improved environmental performance from the transport sector the costs associated with the adverse environmental effects of transport systems are faced by providers and users of transport services the most appropriate mechanisms are used to achieve environmental objectives
Strategic monitor the performance of the transport sector respond in a timely and cost effective way to any market or regulatory failure in the transport sector that may be identified through careful monitoring undertake research into trends and key issues in the national and international economy that affect the transport sector and develop appropriate policies	Strategic outcomes all of the information needed to identify and remedy any market or regulatory failure evident in the transport system is available transport policy is responsive to trends and key issues that affect the transport sector

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