A raft of priority transport projects for Auckland over the next decade include a busway on Auckland's northwestern motorway and extending electric trains to Pukekohe.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and Auckland Mayor Len Brown have released a joint report, which sets out a strategy for the development of Auckland's transport system over the next 30 years.

Far from top of the list, Waitemata Harbour crossing improvements are set down for sometime between 2038 and 2048.

Simon Bridges is however stressing it's only an indicative plan.

"It's not the gospel truth, it's not set in stone. There are projects that will come forward, there are projects that go back."

The report says priority must be given for additional funding for:

* New and upgraded roads to unlock land for housing in the north-west, the south and the north
* The first phase of the north-western busway from Westgate to Te Atatu
* Motorway improvements to address congestion and provide for ongoing growth in the north-west, south and south-west
* Upgraded access to Auckland Airport from the east
* Ongoing investment to improve Auckland's rail network, including more electric trains and extending electrification to Pukekohe.

There is a forecast $4 billion funding gap for the projects prioritised for the first 10 years.

Mr Bridges said that's significant, but far from insurmountable, as there are options.

"It's something that I will need to meet with the new Mayor and a new council on, and really to agree and approach over coming months."

He said a regional fuel tax is certainly not a preferred Government approach.

The report says there should be a dedicated project to progress ‘smarter transport pricing’, something it says should be implemented within the next 10 years.

Len Brown said this means a specific focus on congestion charges.

“To reduce congestion, Aucklanders need to make different choices about how to travel and at what time of day. Demand management is crucial to achieving this,” Brown said.

“Road pricing offers Auckland a fairer means of funding transport than over-reliance on property rates. Any revenue raised must go to improvements into the transport system.”

Mr Bridges said thinking outside the square is crucial.

"Just continuing to build and add on the lanes isn't going to cut it, and in the long-term we need some other ideas."

Additional reporting by NZ Newswire