Auckland light rail process halted, future to be decided after election

June 24, 2020

The project, which will now be decided on after the election, would have provided a 30-minute trip from the CBD to the airport.

Minister of Transport Phil Twyford has announced a halt to Auckland's light rail process, with the future of the project to be determined after the election in September.

Mr Twyford said the project would be one of the country's "most complex" infrastructure projects.

"It’s vital we get it right for future generations," he said.

Despite extensive cross-party consultation, Government parties were unable to reach agreement on a preferred proposal.

Talks between Labour and NZ First about the idea have gone off the tracks.

“I’d like to thank NZ Infra and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for their work and innovative proposals," he said of the two "credible and deliverable" proposals.

“Either would have created hundreds of jobs and resulted in an Auckland metro that offered Aucklanders a 30-minute trip from the CBD to the airport.”

Mr Twyford said the twin track light rail project remained in the the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP).

"The Ministry of Transport and the Treasury will report back after the general election on the best option for this project to be delivered by the public sector," he said.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said he was disappointed by the delay.

“It is frustrating that after three years, disagreement within the coalition has held this process up. It’s now less than 90 days until the general election and we expect the incoming government to act quickly and decisively to outline its proposal to get light rail built.”

SHARE ME

More Stories