Welcome

The Ministry of Transport was delighted to host the 32nd Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) on this side of the Tasman.

The strong level of interest in the forum was clearly
evidenced by the high number and quality of abstracts received by the programme organisers. Clearly the spirit of research and discussion between New Zealand and Australia is in very good health.

The ATRF is the principal annual transport planning,
research and policy conference in Australasia. It brings together leading transport professionals from both sides of the Tasman to hear about and discuss the latest transport research and practice.

More than ever in the current climate of economic uncertainty, governments and the private sector are looking for increased effi ciency and value for money from their investments. This focus is reflected in the theme of this year's forum as we consider transport's role as a "growth engine" in the economy.

A broad range of topics were covered over the three day forum, including economic growth and infrastructure, transport planning and modelling, public transport, travel behaviour, road safety, travel demand management and urban planning.

Finding the right balance of economic, social and environmental benefits from investment will always be a challenge, but leadership and innovation in the field of research, along with the sharing of ideas will continue to be fundamental in responding to them.

Thank you for visiting Auckland for a great event.

Martin Matthews
Chief Executive
Ministry of Transport