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