Auckland Mayor Len Brown insists he's doing everything he can to avoid rates rises, while still improving public transport.
He admits the council faces a $10-$15 billion funding gap, and are looking at ways of finding the cash.
Five options on the table are tolls, regional fuel taxes, congestion charges, development contributions, and additional parking charges.
Mr Brown says it's a total bill of $70 billion, but it's worth it.
“That’s roading, that’s rail, that’s bus, that’s ferry, that’s walking and cycling – so all the options for a full integrated system to unclog our roads,” he says.
Mr Brown says Auckland has opted for cheaper transport solutions in the past, and it hasn't worked out well.
The council will not make a final decision on transport funding mechanisms for another 12 months.
RadioLIVE/3 News