The long-awaited light rail project in Auckland looks set to cost at least 15-billion dollars. 

Three shortlisted options have been unveiled for the 22-kilometre route from the central city to the airport.  

The options are light rail, which runs at street level, light metro that runs down a dedicated route above or below ground, and a tunnelled option which is a hybrid of the two. 

A group set up in March to get the troubled project back on track, is recommending the tunnelled light rail option which costs around 14.6-billion dollars. 

Transport Minister Michael Wood told Mike Hosking there’s a significant difference in the three plans costs and benefits.  

“They all help to deliver additional housing, reduce congestion and reduce emissions.” 

He says they’ll make a decision before the end of the year. 

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