Media release

May 12th, 2004

Expect action on Eastern Corridor

The co-chairmen of the Auckland Business Forum, Michael Barnett and Alasdair Thompson, applauded today's announcement of the preferred route for the Eastern Corridor with the comment that commuters and businesses are expecting action on the corridor's actual construction.

"The process for identifying the precise route of the corridor has been thorough and logical, and it's now time for action," they said in joint statement.

"It's gratifying to see the cost of the project come back to $2.5 billion, not the $3-4 billion figure of earlier estimates.

"The route and the transport modes selected are technically feasible and sensible, and we agree with the confidence of Mayors Banks and Curtis that they can be funded.

"Removing the risk of buses competing with rail on part of the route is eminently sensible.

"Making use of the existing route across Hobson Bay rather than tunnelling under Parnell is both practical and could enhance the aesthetics of the existing rail causeway, ultimately in a park-like setting.

"Auckland's businesses and commuters eagerly await the day construction starts."

ENDS

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