Local board advocates full rail to airport

The Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board is strongly advocating for a heavy rail connection from Onehunga to the airport.

Auckland Transport has been tasked by a council steering group to investigate rail options to Auckland Airport, including a choice between heavy or light rail. Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene says heavy rail is a must.

“Mangere residents are lacking good congestion-free transport options. Catching a bus for most people is a nightmare. So we’re really happy with a proposal for a rail link through Mangere to the airport,” says Ms Sosene.

“But we’re also very clear that our transport spending today must be future focussed and not just a quick fix.

“We’re already seeing high travel numbers into and out of the airport business zone through Mangere. It’s predicted to be one of Auckland’s fastest growing employment areas, with 90,000 jobs by 2044.”

Over the last few years the board’s Deputy Chair Carrol Elliot has actively championed heavy rail to the airport and says the board will continue its advocacy through the project steering group.

“We want this rail investment to be future-proof, with the capacity for high passenger numbers and freight. A full and proper rail connection is the best way forward and will avoid costly changes further down the track,” Ms Elliot says.

The Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board is also welcoming the government’s announcement last week bringing the East-West link transport project forward.

“The East-West link will help to reduce congestion through Otahuhu and Mangere so the sooner we get started, the better,” says Ms Sosene.

ENDS

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