Future-proofing Auckland’s transport

Progress continues on future-proofing Auckland’s transport infrastructure, especially using e-mobility.

Transport minister Michael Wood welcomes the latest progress on Auckland’s two most transformational transport projects in a generation – Auckland Light Rail and the additional Waitemata Harbour Connections.

Auckland Light Rail and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have named preferred bidders to move each project to their next phase, designing the best way to construct Auckland Light Rail and evaluating the preferred transport modes for further development for Waitemata Harbour Connections.

“The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport infrastructure to future proof the system for future generations to come, securing New Zealand’s economy and supporting our largest city to thrive,” says Wood.

“Together the projects will have far-reaching benefits city-wide, transforming the way people can get around by giving them more travel choices.”

Integration with existing rail, bus and ferry connections, together with road and walking/cycling links, will develop a truly modern rapid transit and multi-modal system that better joins communities with job and education centres, provides quicker and safer trips, tackles emissions and brings Auckland’s transport system into the 21st century, Wood explains.

“Auckland’s population is projected to rise to two million by the early 2030s. In order to move two million people around our largest city safely and efficiently, we need well-planned and connected infrastructure. We’re not going to repeat the previous mistakes of ad hoc planning and be left scrambling to build infrastructure when it’s too late – these projects will make sure Auckland is able to flourish as it grows.”

Five New Zealand and international companies are included in the alliance (WSP, Beca, SYSTRA and Cox Architecture) for the Waitemata Harbour Connections and two companies with established links in New Zealand, Arup and Aurecon, form the alliance to progress Auckland Light Rail.

“These are big jobs that will take time to construct,” says Wood. .

“Both Alliances include overseas companies with a wealth of experience helping deliver large-scale projects and that is a measure of the significance of two crucial programmes of work to modernise and expand Auckland’s rapid transit system to allow the city to grow.”

Auckland Light Rail’s 24km route, half of it underground, with up to 18 stations from the City Centre to Mangere and the airport, will operate trains every five minutes.

At peak times it can carry up to 15,000 passengers an hour – four times more than a dedicated busway or trackless trams.

The Waitemata Harbour Connections project will provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport options across the harbour, expanding the city’s existing rapid transit network, completing a strategic walking and cycling link for Auckland, and making the urban roading network more resilient.