Rail For Shore

Let’s transform living on the Shore with fast and frequent light rail. With the Busway fast approaching capacity we will need to complement it with modern light rail by the mid-2030s.

Now is the time to finalise my light rail plan and confirm a preferred way forward by late 2023.

My light-rail plan for the Shore anticipates a route from Wynyard Quarter to - Takapuna - Smales Farm/Hospital - Glenfield - North Harbour - Albany.

In the early 1950s, the original design for the Auckland Harbour Bridge showed a six-foot walkway and a railway line. In 2016 I reinvigorated that vision by putting forward my progression plan to bring rail to the Shore in the form of autonomous light-rail.

The Northern Busway has been a runaway success. So much so that its year on year patronage growth of 30%, necessitates the bringing forward of work to create reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport options across the harbour.  The first parts of the puzzle are forming up - the City Rail Link is underway and opens late 2024. Together with the planned city centre to Mangere light-rail, these enable a light-rail connection to the Shore.

My work over the last three years has led to the bringing forward of final investigations to give absolute certainty to the form, mode priority and timing of the next harbour crossing, led by rail.

The next steps to confirm a delivery plan will be critical. A concerted effort is required.

Your vote of support is a vote of support to achieving light rail to the Shore.