UPDATED 2.49PM: The Government isn't keen on a plan for Aucklanders to be slapped with an extra transport levy.

Mayor Len Brown is proposing $500m in transport improvements over the next three years, meaning each household would pay an extra $2 a week.

But Transport Minister Simon Bridges says the plan wouldn't fix congestion and public transport issues.

"We're sceptical about those and certainly we're not going to put in place funding tools where we don't think there's a good plan."

"Certainly as a first stop we want a plan that we think deals with Auckland's issues and is going to deal with congestion and does see a modal shift on to public transport in an effective way."

Earlier Len Brown claimed that Aucklanders want a motorway toll rather than fuel tax - but introducing such a charge won't be easy, and it's not an overnight job.

"I think this is a pragmatic solution to our most pressing challenge, but most of all the sort of get stuff done decision making that Aucklanders are demanding of us."

Len Brown said the 10-year budget isn't merely an accounting exercise - it's about pushing the reset button on the new amalgamated city.

"Despite the cries from some corners of impending budget doom, it's turned out to be quite the opposite. We are in great financial shape."

Under proposals yet to be approved, there would be an average rate increase in first year to 2.5%, followed by 3.2% and 3.5% in the following years.

The Mayor wants to top that up with a three year temporary transport levy which would cost households about $99 a year, and businesses $159.

The city's asset base will grow from $41 billion to $58 billion by the end of the 10 year budget period, and debt would be down from $13.7 billion now to $11.4 billion in 2025 .

Len Brown said it's clear Aucklanders aren't in the mood for waiting.