The government announced earlier this year it was making a “fresh start” on the Auckland Light Rail project. Transport Minister Hon Michael Wood said this was because the previous process had not involved Aucklanders enough. The government subsequently set up the Auckland Light Rail Group to develop a business case and make recommendations. The group consists of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, the Ministry of Transport, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, and Kāinga Ora.
Auckland’s light rail will run from the city centre to Māngere and is intended to provide the backbone for future light rail to North and North-west Auckland.
The group is currently holding community focussed “listening” sessions until 31 August to understand what people want and build the project’s social licence. This engagement period is about finding the solution that gives the best transport, access, urban development, economic and environmental outcomes for everyone.
The Auckland Light Rail Group will include the feedback into its business case and it expects to provide its recommendations to the government in September. We encourage you to visit the light rail website and complete the online feedback form.
The government will make a decision about the route, mode and delivery entity later this year.
Later phases of consultation will address more detailed issues like the location of stops or stations and how disruption will be managed.
Infrastructure New Zealand will be holding a member event in August on the Auckland Light Rail. More details to be released soon.