Labour to build rail to Auckland Airport
06-Aug-2017 A world class city needs a rail connection from the CBD to its international airport - that's why Labour will build light rail to Auckland Airport as a priority, says Leader of the Opposition Jacinda Ardern.
"Let's get Auckland moving by building a light rail network and accelerating investment in heavy rail and bus rapid transit. This is crucial to Auckland's future growth.
"A world-class city in the 21st century needs a rail connection from its CBD to its airport. Auckland needs this now. Labour's going to accelerate the solutions to Auckland's transport problems.
"I believe Labour's plan is a game-changer. It will reduce the $2 billion a year that congestion costs Auckland. It will realise Auckland's potential to be a truly world class city.
"Labour will build light rail to Mt Roskill in four years, to the airport and West Auckland within a decade, followed by a line connecting the North Shore to the CBD.
"We'll also build a Bus Rapid Transit service connecting the airport and East Auckland, and a third main trunk rail line to serve the commuter and freight rail traffic.
"We'll free up funding by getting better value for money from the East-West Link, and give Auckland the ability to fund its share of the investments through a regional fuel tax, infrastructure bonds, and targeted rates.
"Investing in high quality modern public transport is the best way to unclog our roads. This will ensure Auckland can grow and meet the needs of all who live and work in this great city.
"It's time to get on with it. It's time to get Auckland moving. Let's do this," says Jacinda Ardern.
Labour will:
• Build light rail from the CBD to Auckland airport. This will be part of a new light rail network that will be built over the next decade with routes to the central suburbs, the Airport, and West Auckland, and will later be extended to the North Shore.
• Build a new Bus Rapid Transit line from Howick to the Airport, starting with a bus service which will connect Puhinui train station to the Airport in one year.
• Invest in more electric trains and build a third main trunk line urgently between Wiri and Papakura,
• Allow Auckland Council to collect a regional fuel tax to fund the acceleration of these investments, along with infrastructure bonds and targeted rates.
• Scale back the East-West Link to a reasonable cost with better value for money.