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Public transport and rail big winners as expensive East West link scrapped

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Oct 2017, 3:22PM
Ardern indicated that investment in rail around the country is to be significantly boosted. (Photo: Jade Cooper, Newtalk ZB)
Ardern indicated that investment in rail around the country is to be significantly boosted. (Photo: Jade Cooper, Newtalk ZB)

Public transport and rail big winners as expensive East West link scrapped

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Wed, 25 Oct 2017, 3:22PM

Public transport advocates are excitedly welcoming the policies announced by the incoming Government.

Among the announced policies are regional rail upgrades, electric light rail to Auckland Airport, an overhaul of the controversial East West Link, and greater public transport options.

Transport analyst, Matt Lowrie of Greater Auckland, said there are a lot of policies to be pleased about.

"There's going to be a big period of change coming up and that's going to be quite exciting for kiwi's, it's not roads, or rail or public transport, it's not a competition it's about having a development minister that will give us the best outcomes for New Zealand."

The incoming Government has also announced that Auckland's controversial East West link will not go ahead as planned.

The East West Link connecting Auckland's two motorways was set to be the most expensive roading project per kilometre in the world, at almost two billion dollars.

Both roading and public transport advocates agree a solution to the area's congestion is desperately needed.

Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Ken Shirley said he had been quite critical of the proposed link.

He said an upgrade of the existing through route, Neilson Street, is essentially the forum's preferred option.

"It needs a solution, the existing congestion there is intolerable and it's only getting worse. It's all very well to say they're going to can it but they're going to have to come up with an alternative."

Lowrie agreed an an upgrade to local roads like Neilson Street would serve a similar purpose but cost up to one billion dollars less than the link.

"We're not going to see this huge new road along the foreshore, but we will see other upgrade sin the area. Travel does need to improve in the area, but there are ways we can do that in the area without having to spend so much."

Prime Minister designate Jacinda Ardern has also indicated that investment in rail around the country is to be significantly boosted including the provision of a commuter service between Rolleston and Christchurch and the building of a light rail link to from Auckland City to it's airport.

Labour minister Phil Twyford has been given the cabinet Transport portfolio.

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