ATAP 2018 Transport Plan a big step forward

ATAP 2018 Transport Plan a big step forward for rail
April 26 2018

Today’s announcement of a new Auckland Transport Alignment Programme (ATAP) with a boosted role for rail is a significant step forward for the region, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says.

“Auckland commuters and freight movers will benefit from the increased and earlier investment in the North Island Main Trunk rail line through Auckland, with the Third Main additional freight line earmarked for investment and the electrification of the network to Pukekohe.

“This will allow for greater numbers of commuter and freight trains on the network as the City Rail Link project comes to fruition and as demand for regional passenger trains grows.

“Equally important is the recognition of safety issues in Auckland with more frequent trains. Additional funding has been planned for grade separation at crossings which will create greater distance between cars, pedestrians and trains.

“Safety and keeping traffic moving around the city post CRL is a big consideration in the years ahead.

“This ATAP plan represents Government’s and Auckland Council’s agreement on transport investments in Auckland over the next decade. The Minister of Transport Hon Phil Twyford and Mayor Phil Goff convened the ATAP agencies - the Ministry of Transport, KiwiRail, Treasury, NZTA, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport - to develop the ATAP 2018 package. As well as setting out investments for the next decade, ATAP 2018 sets a longer-term vision for rail in Auckland which will help the city grow sustainably and efficiently.

“It is a recognition of the role rail plays in moving people and goods quickly around our biggest city with less congestion and better environmental outcomes. Every tonne of freight moved by rail, for example, is a 66% carbon emissions saving over heavy road freight.

“KiwiRail works closely with AT, enabling more than 20 million commuter trips on our network each year and in the development of CRL which will transform the city.

“Keeping trucks off our roads at peak times and moving freight sustainably in and out of ports is a key role for KiwiRail.

“We are also working closely with the Government, MOT and Waikato Regional Council on the viability of a commuter service between Hamilton and Auckland.

“All of the increased traffic we expect on the network in the coming decade will require excellent planning, investment and collaboration between the parties.

“This ATAP is a blueprint for an exciting transport future where rail can really play its part,” Peter Reidy says.

ENDS

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