There are hopes a fresh bid to get light rail off the ground could save Auckland's crippled transport system.

The Government's announced it's put together an establishment unit to lay down plans for the project.

The group has six months to consult with the community and guide cost, funding and design decisions.

It comes four years after light rail was promised.

Transport Minister Michael Wood told Heather du Plessis Allan buses are clogging the central city at peak times.

"Despite more public transport investment and infrastructure - we're at risk of it taking longer for people to use the bus or train to get around the city."

Wood says Auckland is New Zealand’s economic powerhouse – but its transport system isn’t up to the job.

He says we need a connected transport system - and the light rail project will help us reach that vision.

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