Back on track
Light rail plans revived, now with Aucklanders having a say
The Government is getting light rail back on track by involving Aucklanders in a six-month process to come up with a project that works for the city. Transport Minister Michael Wood yesterday acknowledged Aucklanders had been shut out of the multibillion-dollar project between the CBD and Auckland Airport, which went on hold in the middle of last year after being blocked by coalition partner New Zealand First.
Wood said an establishment unit started yesterday between central and local government to get buy-in from Aucklanders and come up with the mode, route, costings and financing options for Cabinet to consider later this year.
“We have to take a little bit of time to engage with Aucklanders to get it right.
“Involving Auckland Council is critical, so the mayor and the deputy mayor of Auckland will work with me and the Minister of Finance to oversee this work,” he said.
National Party transport spokesman Michael Woodhouse said light rail represents everything that is wrong with the Government — “big talk but useless on delivery”.
Light rail, or modern-day trams, will either run at street level or underground between the CBD and Mt Roskill. From there they will straddle State Highway 20 to the airport.
Likely routes for light rail at street level are Dominion Rd or Sandringham Rd, close to extensive urban development at Wesley and Stoddard Rd.
It is understood there are two options at the CBD end; starting at Wynyard Quarter or the new Aotea station being built as part of the $4.4 billion City Rail Link.
The Government is not commenting on the likely cost, but last year NZ First leader Winston Peters said it would cost between $10b to $15b and lead to a “decade of chaos”.
Wood acknowledged that Aucklanders had been shut out of the previous process that saw rival bids from the NZ Transport Agency and a consortium of the NZ Super Fund and a Canadian pension fund being considered.
The Cabinet opted for the Super Fund proposal in the middle of last year, but it was scuppered by NZ First.
Wood said light rail is the most significant cityshaping piece of infrastructure since the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which opened in 1959.
“Light rail is a critical investment to develop a modern, connected mass-transit system in New Zealand’s largest city, supporting jobs, growth, and housing.
“Without decisive investment in mass transit Auckland will choke on its own growth.
“Light rail will support growth in Ma¯ngere, nehunga, and Mt Roskill in particular, connecting these communities and giving people the option to leave the car at home, which will help reduce congestion and emissions.
“Our vision for Auckland is to create a vibrant connected city that’s easier, cleaner and safer to get around – light rail will help make that happen. The city centre to Ma¯ngere line will be a backbone that eventually will link with the north and northwest, forming a rapid transit network that fully integrates with other forms of transport across the city,” he said.
Wood said once the establishment unit comes up with a plan and business case for light rail, Cabinet will make the key decisions on the route, mode and who will deliver the project. This could be City Rail Link Ltd or a new joint venture with Auckland Council.
“We will then be able to give the public certainty on issues like cost and timeframes.
“We hope to go into the next election with a plan in place and shovels in the ground,” he said.