MEDIA RELEASE

11 September 2013

Brown to push for 2016 start to Central Rail Link construction

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says he will push for a 2016 start date for construction of the Central Rail Link, if he is re-elected.

“Improving rail is crucial because every Aucklander that we can get onto public transport is another car off the road. If we are going to stop gridlock in Auckland, we have to offer a quality public transport alternative, and the Central Rail Link will have the biggest impact across the Auckland transport system.

“By 2021, unless we have the CRL, we will have gridlock. Auckland’s bus network will have reached capacity, and speeds on city centre roads will have dropped to 7 kilometres per hour.

“Once the CRL is completed, it will effectively double the rail network’s capacity across the region and allows for trains at most stations every 5-10 minutes at peak times, allowing significantly more people on trains, freeing up our roads for those who can’t use rail.

“We are grateful that the government finally agreed that the CRL is necessary. If I am re-elected, Auckland Council will develop a funding proposal for presentation to the government that will facilitate construction commencing in 2016. This proposal needs to be delivered to government before the end of this year.

“The CRL is one of a number of key projects which need to be progressed, including the East-West Link to improve transport in Auckland’s industrial hub, and the Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative. With the large increases in population and economic activity expected in the area bounded by Glenn Innes, Pakuranga and Silvia Park through to Botany, the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative will upgrade public and road transport infrastructure and services in that area.

“I also want to see analysis done on extending the electrification of the Auckland rail network to Pukekohe. With the new electric trains being introduced, we need to examine the feasibility of extending the electrification further south, so Pukekohe commuters see those benefits.

“Another priority is school travel plans. These are very effective at reducing car use and currently around 300 schools have implemented a plan. The objective will be for all schools in the region to be covered by a school travel plan by 2016.

“If re-elected, I will continue to push the wide range of initiatives needed as we move to an integrated transport system balancing quality public transport, roads, and walking and cycling. We need a balanced approach if we are to get Auckland moving, tackle congestion, and make Auckland the world’s most liveable city.”

Transport_Policy.pdf

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