Comment on CRL from Alex Swney

Please read below for a direct message from Heart of the City ceo Alex Swney in relation to the government’s announcement of its support of the Auckland City rail loop.

“Today’s announcement by the government to support the Auckland City rail loop is a red letter day for Auckland. The fact is that here in Auckland we cannot simply tarmac our way out of congestion.

Big applause must go to mayor Len Brown. Many doubted he could deliver on this project but here he is turning the government around and bringing them back to the table within his first term. While it might not be a case of the mountain coming to Mohammed, it has at least come as far as the Bombays.

Congestion is the number one concern for Aucklanders and one of the largest costs to doing business in the city. The Central Rail Loop is a significant game-changer that will open up the city other than by road.

We are a city of some 1.5m people, the same size as London was when it began its underground 150 years ago. That was a visionary decision and it established the city as a major international destination. Building the Central Rail Loop is at least as significant to Auckland as building the harbour Bridge was some 50 years ago.

This development will be transformational not just for Auckland but all new Zealand should welcome it. We all need to play a role in making Auckland a more efficient contributor to the New Zealand economy. This announcement acknowledges that.”

ENDS

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