North Shore Rail Public Meeting

A public meeting set for Thursday evening will press the case for rail to the North Shore. Organisers are asking North Shore residents to turn up and demonstrate their support for a high capacity electric rail connection across the Waitemata otherwise, according to spokesperson Cameron Pitches, "it may not happen at all."

"Right now, the Transport Agency is planning a $6bn road crossing across the Waitemata, with the possible reintroduction of tolls to pay for it," says Mr Pitches.

"I would have thought that bringing back a toll would be of the utmost concern to North Shore residents."

The proposed road crossing has no economic business case and is likely to cause even more congestion in the central city and surrounding road networks unless further road widening takes place. The New Zealand Transport Agency are planning to lodge planning approvals with the Auckland Council for the road crossing some time early next year.

The North Shore Rail campaign has already earned the support of North Shore ward election candidates Cr Chris Darby and Richard Hills.

Chris Darby said ahead of the meeting that "the runaway success of the Northern Busway brings forward the conversion date to light-rail to early 2030s. It’s time to pull the stops and plan for a transport future with North Shore rail in mind. Kicking the can down the road to future generations is not an option."

Richard Hills, current Kaipatiki Local Board member, says "North Shore Rail is crucial for our community - we need more rapid transport options now, not more roads that flood our community with cars."

Mr Pitches is hoping other candidates will come forward at the meeting and add their support for North Shore rail. An online petition at www.northshorerail.nz has so far garnered over 1,500 signatures from the general public.

The free public meeting will feature Barb Cuthbert from Bike Auckland as MC, with speakers including:

Cameron Pitches from Better Transport
Patrick Reynolds from TransportBlog and Greater Auckland
Chris Darby, North Shore Councillor
Richard Hills, Current Kaipatiki Local Board Member
A question and answer panel discussion will allow audience members to find out more about the campaign.

To be held:

Thursday 15th September, 7:30pm
Onewa Netball Centre
44 Northcote Road, Takapuna

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