14 September 2016

Goff: CRL’s increasing cost estimates need to be explained

Auckland Mayoral candidate Phil Goff says that he is concerned at the increasing cost estimates emerging for the construction of the City Rail Link.

“The original estimates by Auckland Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency and Treasury put the price at $2.5 billion. They are now saying the cost may be as high as $3.4 billion,” said Phil Goff.

“New Zealand taxpayers and Auckland ratepayers are owed an explanation for why local and central agencies may have underestimated the costs. We also need answers around the reliability of their new estimates and whether these can be depended on.

“People understand that the City Rail Link is a necessary part of stopping congestion on Auckland roads becoming gridlocked. Rail is a key part of that with patronage increasing by 22 percent a year. The CRL will double rail capacity and improve travel time.

“However, if the price continues to escalate it puts more pressure on Auckland ratepayers. We need assurances that the project will be delivered on time and within budget,” said Phil Goff.

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