27 March 2017

Auckland Light Rail Sooner Rather Than Later – UnitedFuture

UnitedFuture party president, Damian Light, is calling for plans for the light rail link between Auckland Airport and the City to be accelerated.

 

“The recent announcement of rail targeted for 2047 will be of little comfort to those delayed by this morning’s issues.

 

“This is the main arrival and departure point for New Zealand and it needs to be properly served by public transport.

 

“Auckland Airport is expecting visitor numbers to continue to rise and the current infrastructure is insufficient.

 

“Over 70 per cent of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles over 17 million passengers a year and has more than 20 international airlines serve Auckland Airport,” Mr Light said.

 

“Rail in Auckland is critical to a sustainable transport system and it is imperative that we lay the groundwork for a successful future today.

 

“The worry is that delaying action for decades will remove certainty around whether the people of Auckland will ever see a workable rail link that will make a real difference to the lives of this growing community.

 

“Rail to and from the airport is a key issue for Auckland and one that UnitedFuture has been advocating for on a local level for years.

 

“While we welcome movement on this policy, we will continue to advocate for work on rail to be accelerated in order to provide clarity to our community,” Mr Light concluded.