“Rail deal step forward for Auckland’s transport strategy”

24 December 2001

The Crown and Tranz Rail’s announcement that the Crown has purchased Auckland’s railway corridors marks a significant step forward in the Auckland region being able to implement its transport strategy, said Regional Land Transport Committee chairwoman, ARC councillor Catherine Harland.

“The current rail stations, trains and other infrastructure are badly in need of upgrading and modernisation. The potential for moving many more people by rail is recognised by our Regional Land Transport Strategy, and is a major part to our plans to improve public transport overall,” said Councillor Harland.

Catherine Harland chairs the Regional Land Transport Committee, a body with representation from all of Auckland’s councils and charged with setting regionally agreed transport strategy.

“The region couldn’t develop the railway infrastructure while it was in private ownership. The Government recognised this and committed to purchasing the rail corridors for Aucklanders. Now the region is keen to get on with sorting out an access arrangement to the network with the Crown so that we can improve the rail services,” said Cr Harland.

“More than 200,000 Aucklanders live within one kilometre of the 38 railway stations, and at least 153,000 people work within one kilometre of the stations. The Regional Growth Strategy encourages even more development near to the rail corridors as they are major transport corridors for the region.

“The councils in the region have been working together to develop the rail network into a modern, fast, frequent, reliable commuter network, to link to the North Shore Busway which is also being developed. The network will help to transform the way people can get around Auckland. We are very pleased that the Government has brought us a step closer today to being able to make this happen for Aucklanders,” said Cr Harland.

ENDS

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