Support growing for Western Connector proposal

The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has provided in-principle support for the Western Connector proposal formulated by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), which would see the introduction of a single railcar shuttle service between Huapai and Swanson.

“The Board sees potential for the Western Connector to complement the rollout of electric trains on the Western Line from 2015 and the implementation of the New Network for West Auckland in late 2016” says Chair Sandra Coney

In March this year the Infrastructure Committee urged Auckland Transport to review its decision to discontinue the service in light of changed circumstances since 2012. In response, Auckland Transport has committed to reviewing the proposal and the Board will receive a deputation from the PTUA on Tuesday 28 April.

“The draft Long Term Plan already contains a large number of projects designed to unlock traffic congestion in the North West. The Western Connector proposal could further complement these measures and it is right that Auckland Transport take a close look at that” says Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.

Councillor Linda Cooper has also offered her support of the proposal. “Over the last few months we have been having a discussion with Aucklanders about our transport infrastructure needs over the coming decade. The clear response from people living in the North West is that they want to be provided with viable public transport options”

“What we need now is a comprehensive analysis of the proposal by Auckland Transport so we can see how the implementation and operating costs, along with likely patronage figures, stack up against our other transport priorities in the Long Term Plan” Cooper says.

For additional information on the Western Connector proposal see www.ptua.org.nz.

ENDS

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