Funding ideas for transport narrowed to three

Options to fund Auckland's transport projects have been narrowed to three - road tolls, a regional fuel tax or higher parking fees.

The Auckland Council will hold a special meeting on the matter on Thursday.

New Zealand Taxi Federation executive director Tim Reddish says any of the alternatives will be another cost to absorb.

He says it would mean increased taxi fares, especially with business being quite difficult over the past few years.

There's belief Auckland's mayor has set down unrealistic goals for solving the city's transport woes.

CEO of the Road Transport Forum, Ken Shirley, says projects like the inner city rail link and second harbour crossing need to be well planned out.

"It's a question of affordability and not getting ahead of it and the last thing you need is politicians trying to over promise and then scramble around trying to find ways to fund it."

Mr Shirley says promises and visions are free, but realities have to be paid for.

Photo: NZ Herald