231 --- A Good Start
It’s time to START, Straight to Airport Rapid Trains. “A safe and reliable connection to the airport”.
I went along to the Public meeting organised by Public Transport Users Association and NZ Transport 2050 (a non-partisan organisation looking at sensible transport solutions for NZ). The speakers gave a very interesting, informative talk on building a heavy rail link to the airport.
Similar to what I explored in my last blog post, an eastern link was proposed, connecting Puhinui to the airport (instead of Manukau). It was rather exciting to learn some of the actual figures involved, backed by engineers.
Key Notes:
Cost of $1-1.5 Billion for the heavy rail link, vs $3 Billion for the current light rail proposal.
A 30min express line between Britomart and the Airport, vs 43 minute journey for the current light rail proposal.
There was plenty of criticism for the current light rail proposal:
It would cause major disruption during construction.
High likelihood of cost overruns.
Not well precedented.
Attending this meeting has ignited a hidden passion in me for transport and infrastructure. Although, this may have been hinted in my blog posts. My hope is that I can find other students who hold interests in this area, perhaps forming a club at my university. I spoke with the organisers of the event and I am looking at how I am able to help out. It’s a good start.
