The Waitemata Harbour tunnel idea announced today by Transport Minister Simon Bridges doesn’t make sense unless the City Rail Link is built first, the Green Party said.
“The Government is trying to sugar coat this tunnel announcement by saying it can include rail, but rail to the North Shore won’t work until Britomart is expanded for the City Rail Link,” Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said.
“The City Rail link should be the number one transport priority in Auckland, to help accommodate the rapidly rising demand in rail patronage.
“The success of the Northern Busway has meant that car traffic over the Harbour Bridge has flat-lined, while over 40 percent of peak time commuters from the North Shore into the city are on buses. Auckland’s buses and trains are bursting at the seams.
“What Aucklanders need most right now is the Government to step up and fund the City Rail Link.
“Once again, the Government has its priorities for fixing Auckland’s transport all mixed up,” said Ms Genter.