NZ Govt and Auckland Council brings Auckland Light Rail back on track
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The New Zealand Government and Auckland Council have released the recommendations of the Auckland Light Rail team, bringing the project back on track.
“When I announced we were getting the project back on track earlier this year, I acknowledged Aucklanders had been shut out of the previous process,” Transport Minister Michael Wood said.
“We’re continuing to be transparent by being upfront with Aucklanders about this city-shaping project.”
Minister Wood stated that the project will boost Auckland’s economic recovery by supporting up to 16,000 jobs. He also said that the business case makes it clear that the Auckland Light Rail is a necessary investment to lessen congestion and improve the city’s future.
“It is a critical piece of infrastructure to support more housing, to give people real transport choices, and to build a linked up transport network for Auckland,” Minister Wood said.
“It will provide the base and first stage of the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing and a line out to the North-West, beginning a city-wide transport network, so it’s important that we make the best decision for the long term.”
For the project, Auckland Light Rail’s team has engaged with over 115 stakeholder groups. The proposed route also received strong support from communities.
“Aucklanders want more jobs and housing as well as reduced congestion and emissions – we know we have to get on with it,” Minister Wood said.
“We’re being open about the pros and cons across the options, like disruption to businesses, value for money, the shape of our public transport network, and the ability to open up housing along the corridor in Mt Roskill, Onehunga and Māngere. These will all be factors we consider before making a decision.”
Meanwhile, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the rapid transit corridor will provide housing and job growth that the city needs for the future.
“This area will cater for an additional 66,000 homes housing nearly a quarter of Auckland’s population growth over the next 30 years. It already provides a quarter of Auckland’s jobs, connecting the two biggest employment hubs in the city,” Mayor Goff said.
“The rapid transit connection is vital to enable this growth and address problems of congestion and carbon emissions. It is as much an urban development project as a critical transport connection.”
Detailed planning and design work is expected to start in early 2022, with the project to be delivered as a partnership between the Government, Auckland Council and Mana Whenua.
Source: Inside Government NZ
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
