Auckland Transport began operating from 1 November 2010, at the inauguration of Auckland Council. It assumed the role of the
Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and the combined transport functions of Auckland's eight local and regional councils, all of which were disestablished. It was established by section 38 of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, and operates under that act, the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 and the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010. On 3 December 2024, the
Transport Minister,
Simeon Brown and
Mayor of Auckland,
Wayne Brown announced an overhaul of AT's mandate and functions. Key changes included moving various planning powers to council and repositioning the agency as a transport project and services delivery agency. Auckland Council would be given AT's former road-controlling authority powers with responsibility for regional land and public transport planning. Auckland's local boards would also be given decision-making powers over certain transport policies such as parking, speed limits, cycleways and pedestrian crossings. On 5 September 2025, Transport Minister,
Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister, Simeon Brown, and Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown confirmed that the New Zealand Government would introduce legislation reallocating policy, planning and road delivery and management powers from AT to Auckland Council. Under the new legislation, AT would be responsible for delivering public transport, infrastructure services and other specific functions determined by the council. Some council and local board elected representatives expressed concerns about how transport policy and planning work could be done by them. == Operations and staff ==