Disappointment with City Rail Link Delay

Tuesday, 9 December 2014, 4:14 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Disappointment with City Rail Link Delay - Generation Zero

Youth organisation, Generation Zero, is disappointed that major construction works for the City Rail Link (CRL) will now be delayed until at least 2018 following a revised budget passed by Auckland Council today.

Spokesperson, Dr Sudhvir Singh; “The Council agrees that the CRL is the ‘game changing’ transport project for Auckland, yet central government’s obsession with roading projects is forcing the delay of this essential piece of infrastructure.”

The revised Council budget shows that delaying the CRL, as recommended by Audit New Zealand in light of central government’s reluctance, will cost an additional $100 million.

Dr Singh; “Rail patronage is growing by 20% per year and Britomart will soon be at capacity, warranting an urgent start to the CRL. By delaying construction, Aucklanders will be forced to pay $100 million more for the project, yet alone the substantial costs incurred due the missed opportunity to get our city moving.”

The City Rail Link will unlock the entire transport system, allowing five minute frequencies on existing rail lines, opening three new stations, and providing the capacity to extend the rail network to the airport and the North Shore. The CRL would be the first step of a region-wide Congestion Free Network which would provide Auckland with a world class transport system.

Dr Singh; “The solution to Auckland’s traffic problems is to free up our roading network by offering people choices. The City Rail Link will offer Aucklanders a reliable public transport option which is why it’s so important that it goes ahead as soon as possible.”

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