Auckland’s electric light rail back on track

An establishment unit to progress Auckland’s light rail city-shaping project and engage with Aucklanders has been announced by transport minister Michael Wood, adding the previous process didn’t involve Aucklanders enough.

“There’s wide-ranging support for rapid transit but Aucklanders felt shut out of the project,” he says. “I’m drawing a line under that and involving Aucklanders from the get-go.

“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.”

Wood says that without decisive investment in mass transit Auckland will choke on its own growth. Light rail will support growth in Mangere, Onehunga, and Mount Roskill in particular, connecting these communities and giving people the option to leave the car at home, which will help reduce congestion and emissions, he adds.

The Government has tasked an establishment unit with a six-month work programme including engaging with stakeholders and communities, partnering with Maori, developing a business case so evidence-based decisions can be made on mode and route, providing cost estimates, and funding and financing options which includes looking at value capture; and determining the best form for the delivery entity, which will be either City Rail Link Limited or a new joint venture with Auckland Council.

The establishment unit housed at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency begins immediately and involves agencies such as Auckland Transport, the Ministry of Transport, Auckland Council, Kainga Ora and others, led by an inclusive governance board, involving an independent chair, local government, key agencies and community and Maori representatives, Wood explains.

“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 says.

“Once the Government receives the advice from the establishment unit at the end of the year, we will make the key decisions on route, mode, and delivery entity. We will then be able to give the public certainty on issues like cost and timeframes.”

Wood says the Government’s 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 Mangere line will be a backbone that eventually will link with the North and North-west, forming a rapid transit network that fully integrates with other forms of transport across the city.