New tricks for old tracks

1 March, 2007

The Onehunga rail line should be pressed into use for commuter trains, Auckland Regional Council chairman Michael Lee today told MPs.

“Let’s be shrewd. The old line has been mothballed to keep future options open, but why don’t we wring value out that infrastructure in the meantime?”

The Onehunga branch line last carried commuters in 1973. Freight services ceased last year and an annual trip by rail enthusiasts had to be abandoned because of the track’s deteriorating condition.

Mr Lee told Parliament’s transport and industrial relations select committee that the decay could be halted with modest outlay – fixing the track could cost less than $20 million.

Commuter trains are more popular in Auckland than ever - boardings have grown from 2.5 million in 2004 towards nearly six million.

“The region’s rail network is essentially the same configuration as it was 100 years ago. I believe there is a strong case for extending it – linking the CBD to the airport via Onehunga, completing the inner city loop from Britomart to Mt Eden, and linking Southdown to Avondale.

“But the existing network offers opportunities to extend passenger rail at relatively low cost into communities where it could play an important role, right now.

“We should be pursuing additional services: south to Pukekohe; west to Kumeu, Huapai and Helensville; reopening services to Onehunga. The aim is to draw commuter traffic off congested motorways and arterial routes,” Mr Lee said.

“The Onehunga line is an under-utilised public asset and the investment required to reinstate a passenger service is modest compared to other rail investment. The anticipated passenger numbers – more than half a million annually – make that investment worthwhile.

“This sensible, pragmatic initiative could be undertaken in the short term without prejudicing future strategic development.”

ENDS

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