Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
Reliable and efficient transport systems are essential for ensuring cities continue to thrive, giving people easy access to jobs, education and services.
That is why the National-led Government will invest up to $267 million over the next three years in the Auckland and Wellington commuter rail networks, providing support for future passenger growth.
High usage
Auckland’s population growth has meant that more commuter trains are now using the rail network, causing it to compete with the growing number of freight trains.
To support these important growth areas in the south, and provide a more reliable and efficient services for commuters, National will invest $130 million to electrify the track between Papakura and Pukekohe.
The package also includes $100 million to provide a Third Main Line from Wiri to Westfield dedicated to freight. This will increase the efficiency of such an important corridor, allow for greater frequency, improve travel times and provide more reliability for commuters.
Electrification is a key element of the National-led Government’s focus on supporting a cohesive, efficient transport system for Auckland.
We have completed the electrification of Auckland’s rail network, a $1.77 billion upgrade of the Auckland metro rail network and trains which has meant major improvements to the city’s public transport offerings.
Auckland Rail Link
Further to this, Budget 2017 provided $436 million of new capital for Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL). Once complete, the CRL will be a game-changer for central Auckland.
Enabling a more reliable and efficient commuter service is also the focus of the $37 million Wellington Commuter Package.
The package includes a full double-track on the Hutt Valley Line between Upper Hutt and Trentham, a third platform for Porirua Station, a turn-back facility at Plimmerton, and a programme to integrate and optimise rail and bus services.
Upgrades to bridges and slopes, as well as ‘Park and Ride’ facilities for the Kapiti and Hutt Valley Lines, will also be included.
This package builds on the investment of $98.4 million provided in Budget 2017 for Wellington’s commuter rail network.
Together, the Auckland and Wellington projects represent a $267 million investment in commuter rail. This once again demonstrates National’s commitment to building a more efficient and reliable transport system.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has been Member of Parliament on National List since November 2008. He the Party’s candidate in the Manukau East Constituency.
Photo Caption:
An efficient rail network is an appropriate solution to growing commuter traffic in Auckland and Wellington (Picture supplied by Auckland Council)
