Forever missing the train

It’s more than 50 years since Sir DoveMyer Robinson advocated for a rapid transit system for Auckland.

Robbie’s proposal for a bus-rail rapid transit plan was “fast, modern electrified railways through the main traffic corridors of the region”.

His proposal would have had passenger trains every three minutes running from an underground subway terminal in the city centre with above-ground tracks leading to Howick, Auckland Airport and a tunnel to the North Shore.

Costed at $273 million in 1973, it was considered far too expensive for the constituents of the day and the scheme, as well as its proponent, was kicked for touch.

The kicking has continued steadily for over the ensuing half a century. This week, the political football was tossed back on to the field by Transport Minister Michael Wood.

Wood has said he wants an “establishment unit” to have a mode, route, costings and financial options put before Cabinet by the end of this year and a plan in place by the time of the next general election in 2023.

These are welcome words to a city groaning under the stress of woeful transport infrastructure. However, the main obstacle to a resolution remains as it has for the past 50 years — a consensus on Wood’s four criteria.

Until the many and varied vested interests can set aside their agendas for the good of New Zealand’s largest centre, the light at the end of the tunnel will remain the rear lamp on a carriage that left the station 50 years ago; one we can never hope to catch.