David Farrar: Hurdle on light rail

Tim Hurdle writes:

Building new rail networks is super expensive as the Auckland light rail debacle showed. The Australian ABC TV show Utopia has mined a rich vein of comedy explaining the realities of their boondoggles, such as “the Very Fast Train” between Melbourne and Sydney. Perhaps NZ On Air could fund a similar show so we could explore some of the projects that Kiwis mythologise.

Philip Laird: Slow train coming

Only a genuine shift to rail will put NZ on track to reduce emissions

Both the Labour government and the opposition National Party have now released major transport polices that put the emphasis on maintaining and expanding roads.

The cost and priority of various projects will clearly be an election issue. But at the heart of the debate lies an inconvenient truth about climate change: encouraging road transport while needing to reduce carbon emissions simply does not add up.

Garrick Tremain: Light Rail vs Roads

 Here is Garrick Tremain's cartoon commentary on the condition of our roads and the light rail project! 

Point of Order - Govt’s policy refocus: supporters of Auckland’s light rail project will be encouraged by City Rail Link appointment

Buzz from the Beehive

In one of his first pronouncements after Chris Hipkins became PM, Transport Minister Michael Wood – and Minister for Auckland after the cabinet reshuffle – confirmed that the light rail project is part of the government’s policy refocus.

Opponents of the project will hope this makes the project a candidate for Hipkins’ bonfire of unpalatable policies and programmes  (Labour’s burning issues, so to speak).

Supporters of the project will hope it is kept alive.

Brian Gaynor: Finding money to get Auckland on the rails

Auckland’s transport system, particularly the proposed light rail project, will generate considerable debate over the next few years.

The objective of this column is to assess the potential financing of the light rail plan rather than assessing the merits of the development. Will it be funded by rates increases?

What role will the New Zealand Superannuation Fund play? What contribution will central government make?