Auckland Transport media release
18 April 2013

Six big months for Auckland Transport

Auckland Transport has today released its half year report for the six months to 31 December 2012.

The report shows Auckland Transport has invested a further $278 million in Auckland’s infrastructure, the vast majority $188 million was spent on roads while $39 million went towards public transport.

Auckland Transport chairman Lester Levy says it’s been a busy period. “Upgrade work continues on the rail network ahead of electrification, the new electric trains are on the production line in Spain and our biggest-ever transport project is being built in Auckland’s east.”

The $1.5 billion AMETI project is Auckland Transport’s largest construction initiative. It unlocks the potential for 40,000 new jobs once key transport links are improved. AMETI also includes improvements to public transport, walking and cycling facilities and will give residents greater transport choices.

At this stage much of the work is centred around Panmure where a new traffic bridge has been built and work is well underway on an integrated transport centre.

In another big project, Kiwirail has completed much of the work around electrification. Dr Levy says “Improvements are well underway on the rail network. We are counting down to the arrival of the first electric trains.”

Electric wires can now be seen around much of the Auckland rail network. The depot to house and maintain the new electric trains is under construction at Wiri and is due to open in July. The first electric train will arrive in Auckland in September for testing.

Work continues on planning for the City Rail Link (CRL). The “City Centre Future Access Study” released in late 2012 concluded that the CRL is necessary to meet future demand for travel in the city centre. Work is progressing on the CRL with Auckland Council publicly notifying the Notices of Requirement for the project.

And the AT HOP card was launched in October. Auckland Transport is in the process of working its way through the implementation - AT HOP is now available on trains and ferries and will be introduced on buses later this year.

Other highlights for the December 2012 half-year include:

Work continuing on upgrading Auckland’s rail stations

Significant progress on revitalisation of New Lynn with new shared spaces and a transit-orientated development

35 new schools join the School Travel Plan initiative

4,235 people receive cycle safety training

1,488 new registrations for “Let’s Carpool”

Some facts and figures about Auckland Transport, it administers:

7,354 kms of roads
6,859 kms of footpaths
127,666 road signs
15 bus stations 5 busway stations
42 rail stations
933 “Pay and Display” machines
985 bridges and culverts
99,912 street lights
1,554 bus shelters
21 ferry terminals
14 multi-storey car parks

Auckland Transport’s half-year report can be viewed at: http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/about-us/publications/Reports/Pages/annualreports.aspx

ENDS

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