Transit Told to Provide for Rapid Transit on SH20
3rd July 2007: For immediate relelase

Auckland City Council has asked Transit to redesign a motorway interchange to allow for future rapid public transport, a decision welcomed by the Campaign for Better Transport today.

"Transit’s application gave no consideration for how the new Onehunga railway station will be accessed by Onehunga and Mangere Bridge residents," spokesperson Cameron Pitches said.

"We are pleased to see that Auckland City has told Transit to think again."

The Onehunga railway line is due to be reopened in 2009.

The decision was announced yesterday by Auckland, Manukau and Auckland Regional Council RMA commissioners. It gave Transit permission to double the width of the existing 4-lane bridge, subject to a major redesign of the Gloucester Park interchange and other recommendations.

However, Mr Pitches is concerned that the recommendations may not go far enough.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is working on a study to find the optimum rapid transit route between downtown Auckland and Auckland Airport, but the findings won’t be released until September this year.

Campaigner Brian Van Dam said "Extension of the Onehunga rail line across the Manukau would better serve Mangere and Onehunga residents, who make up almost half of all Mangere Bridge users."

"We are very concerned that the decision to allow Transit to widen the motorway will prevent the possibility of a rapid transport corridor to the airport altogether. There may not be room for both," said Mr Pitches.

"All of this demonstrates that we have two transport visions in New Zealand - one that aspires to be carbon neutral, and another that wants us to aspirate more carbon," concludes Mr Pitches.

ENDS

Commissioners findings - http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/about-arc/agendas-minutes/hearings.cfm

CBT Website - www.getmoving.org.nz

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