Auckland Transport media release

28 June 2013

Time To Get On With The Job Says Chairman

Today’s announcement on extra Government funding for major projects is the catalyst for transformational change in the region, says Auckland Transport chairman Dr Lester Levy.

The Prime Minister has confirmed a Government contribution to the City Rail Link project as well as a commitment of extra funding to accelerate work on the East-West road link (between the Southern and South Western Motorways) and the Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI).

In addition the Prime Minister announced that a preferred alignment for a tunnel under the Waitemata Harbour would be confirmed by the end of the year.

Dr Levy says the announcements signal a new era for transport and economic growth in Auckland.

“Some of these projects have been on the books for decades but the stumbling block has always been funding,” he says. “And as time marches on the problems of congestion just get worse and worse.”

“Now we can at last set our sights firmly on building our way out of the daily transport frustrations of thousands of Aucklanders and the very real economic and social costs that come with that.”

Dr Levy says that investing in a combination of public transport and roading projects, as well as a focus on other modes such as walking and cycling, is critical.

“It is not one or the other; public transport is the game changer as far as Auckland transport is concerned but it can only work if the roading and motorway networks are functioning effectively and efficiently as well,” he says.

“That is why the projects announced today cannot be seen in isolation. They are a package of initiatives which together will see the transformational change needed in Auckland.”

“And as well as the transport benefits, many thousands of jobs will be created in the construction of these projects over a number of years.”

“As chairman of Auckland Transport I am also committed to ensuring that we fully maximise existing infrastructure as we plan, build and accelerate new projects. In tandem we can achieve outcomes for Auckland that people just don’t believe are possible now.”

Dr Levy says the Government announcement was also testament to the excellent working relationship between Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) which has developed since 2010.

For further information on the City Rail Link, AMETI and other major projects

http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/Pages/default.aspx

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