KATRINA DUGGAN

JAFA

 

A Cooperative aiming to Connect Aucklanders, Improve their Lifestyles and Enhancing Communities, through Innovative Transportation Solutions. 

 

In my understanding a co-operative is a self-governed collection of people who come together in order to reach a common goal, be it economic, social or cultural. It is an enterprise that is democratically and fairly managed by the assembly of members.

 

The Brand ‘JAFA’ will work to identify opportunities, research, design solutions and implement those solutions, within the framework of transportation. Working towards Auckland City's target of making it “the most liveable City”.

The first project by JAFA will be responding to the commuter traffic and the restriction of bicycles over the Harbour Bridge, an issue that has made many a headline over the years.

 

Auckland CBD is situated on the harbour front. All traffic from the North Shore of Auckland travels over the Harbor Bridge. This can cause huge tailbacks, for miles, every morning and evening. Commuters travel such large distances to the CBD, and the distances are growing, as the city sprawl extends each year and house prices in the center become unaffordable for many Aucklanders. There is huge frustration as New Zealanders, who are known to be very active and sporty, are refused access to the bridge with their bicycles, refused access on public transport during peak times with their bicycles and instead have to join the thousands moving at a snail's pace towards the city.

 

JAFA’s solution is to set up an online payment system and app/ website which allows commuters who want to cycle to work the chance to do so. A mini van with an attached bike trailer will go between designated stops situated either side of the bridge, the CBD and the North shore, picking up those who have already paid and registered online. JAFA will seek permission from the Council in order to use the bus lanes, helping to respond to the demand of ‘wannabe’ cyclist commuters and helping to reduce commuter road traffic.

 

The second project is an app/ website which connects people with one another so they can share the cost and the company on a journey together. The project is called Pāpori Car, which translates from Maori as Social Car. This project is in response to the phenomena of the growing number of generation Y who do not have cars, licenses or feel a duty to reduce their carbon footprint. However, this group still needs to be connected physically around Auckland and, on a larger scale, around New Zealand. This solution is based on a win-win situation where drivers cut their running costs and passengers increase their connectivity and convenience.