Electric rail to connect Pukekohe
The $28 billion cash injection to fix Auckland’s transport woes will bring electric train transport to Franklin.
As part of the new Auckland Transport Alignment Project a new electric rail line will be built between Papakura and Pukekohe.
‘‘It will mean one train to get you to Britomart from here,’’ said Franklin Local Board deputy chairperson Andy Baker.
The improvements also add new stops to Paerata, Drury and potentially another west of Drury.
But Baker said the new link is likely to have little effect on reducing the overall commute time.
‘‘You’re only talking five minutes [less], if you’re adding two or three stops on the way the time difference is minimal.’’
While the new line may not cut travel time he said the change will likely improve the experience for the daily commuter.
‘‘It’s just more comfortable, you’re only sitting once, and for some people it’s harder to get up than others.’’
Other improvements will see an increase in the number of connecting trains, increased parking in Pukekohe station and Park and Ride facilities at all new stations.
While the project is scheduled to begin over the next decade, there is no consensus on a specific time frame.
‘‘That is one of the frustrating things, still we have the uncertainty when this is going to happen.’’
‘‘Is it going to be starting in 2020 or in 2025, we just don’t know.’’
Other transport projects include improvements to Mill Rd and an interchange added to Drury South.
According to Baker many of these projects are overdue.
‘‘We’re playing catch up for the last 20 years.’’
He said while many are unhappy with the proposed Regional Fuel Tax, it is necessary to fix Auckland’s traffic mess.
‘‘While it is a blunt tool, and I may not agree with the Fuel Tax as a acceptable long term solution, it is a needed short term measure until we find something better.’’
Other possible projects could include a third rail track and building an outer freight road route around Pukekohe.
‘‘That’s what we’d like to see,’’ Baker said.
‘‘We’ve got to keep the pressure on, because that’s what the public expect us to do.’’