The establishment of ARTA was one of a set of changes announced on 12 December 2003 in the Investing for Growth transport package.

The package also announced significant new funding measures including a $900m Crown contribution to Auckland transport over 10 years.

Central government agencies involved in planning and funding road and rail infrastructure include the Ministry of Transport (transport policy), Land Transport New Zealand (funding and safety management), Transit New Zealand (management and development of State highways), and ONTRACK (management and development of the rail network).

ARTA was required to give effect to the ARLTS, both through its own actions and by setting priorities for the funding of land transport activities in the Region.

The budget for the project was $600 million,[8] and included: ARTA aimed to grow public transport patronage in Auckland by: The Northern Busway in North Shore City is an example of a flagship project.