New Zealand cancels $15 billion Auckland Light Rail project

January 15, 2024

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The New Zealand Government has cancelled the $15b Auckland Light Rail project to use funds to prioritise other transportation projects.

The coalition Government continues to deliver on its 100-day plan with the decision to cancel the Auckland Light Rail project.

“Our 100-day plan is focused on rebuilding the economy, easing the cost of living, restoring law and order and delivering better public services. These are things that New Zealanders voted for and expect us to deliver.”

The coalition Government continues to deliver on its 100-day plan with the decision to cancel the Auckland Light Rail project.

“Auckland Light Rail would have cost taxpayers $15 billion, with advice showing the cost could increase to $29.2 billion,” Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The previous government committed to building light rail to Mt Roskill within four years of being elected. After six years and over $228 million spent on the project, not a single metre of track has been delivered and congestion has only worsened in the city.

“Scrapping the expensive project is part of the coalition agreements and we have taken swift action. Auckland Light Rail Limited has been instructed to immediately cease work on the project, and to take the necessary steps to wind up the company.

“The Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that will reduce congestion, boost productivity, and create a more reliable and resilient transport network that drives economic growth.

“Our focus is on building a rapid transit network in Auckland, including completion of the City Rail Link, which was started by the last National Government, and starting work on a Northwest Rapid Transit corridor, alongside other projects to deliver reduced congestion for Aucklanders.

“Work is underway on rewriting the Government Policy Statement on land transport which will reflect these priorities.

“The Government’s decision to scrap Auckland Light Rail means that we can stop work on a project which has not delivered and get on with delivering the critical transport infrastructure that Auckland needs.”

Source: Crown copyright

Image Source: © Infrastructure Partnerships Australia 2024