The Government has announced a $22 billion transport plan under the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS 2024) to enhance productivity and support economic growth.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown emphasised the Government's commitment to fulfilling its transport promises to New Zealanders.

Key components of the plan include a 41 per cent increase in public transport funding and substantial boosts for road maintenance.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will see a 91 per cent increase in funding to fix and prevent potholes on state highways, while local councils will receive a 50 per cent increase for similar work on local roads.

Brown highlighted the addition of $1 billion to the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) from Budget 2024, which will expedite the implementation of major transport projects.

Over the next three years, the Government plans to invest approximately $7 billion annually in building and maintaining a transport system that ensures quick and safe travel for Kiwis.

The GPS 2024 will reintroduce the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme with 17 projects, alongside 11 Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS), aiming to create stronger transport connections throughout New Zealand.

Public transport and rail networks are also a priority, with significant investments confirmed.

Brown noted the disruptions in recent years and underscored the importance of investing in metropolitan rail and the Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga freight triangle.

For the first time, GPS 2024 will earmark road maintenance funding specifically for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance to prevent potholes.

Road safety will also receive focused investment, including road policing, new infrastructure, and measures to address the leading causes of fatal crashes.

"Delivering reliable, effective, and efficient public transport is a key priority for our Government," Brown stated.

"We will introduce legislation to implement roadside drug testing and require Police to conduct 3.3 million alcohol breath tests annually."