Electric light rail from Wellington Station to Island Bay, a new tunnel through Mt Victoria for public transport, and walking and cycling, and upgrades to improve traffic flow at the Basin Reserve are being progressed by the Government.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Wellington’s future, align transport and urban development, and help to address the climate crisis by moving more people with fewer vehicles,” infrastructure minister Grant Robertson says.
“The southern light rail option is our preferred choice for Wellington because of the significant potential it offers for new housing and neighbourhood growth. By 2050 we’re expecting up to 80,000 more people to be living within the city limits, and 25% more people coming into the central city each workday from across the region,” he says.
Transport minister Michael Wood says the capital needs a linked-up rapid transit transport network serving Wellingtonians into the future.
“The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come. Our commitment to infrastructure investment will continue to play a critical part in securing New Zealand’s economy and recovery from COVID-19,” he explains.
The new announcement builds on the work underway across the city to improve transport choices, including transforming the Golden Mile, improving safety and urban attractiveness on Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road, and the construction of a roundabout on Aotea Quay, Wood says.
“Following agreement of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving partners, work will commence on a detailed business case. I know Wellingtonians are keen to see progress and we have asked the programme for options to fast track progress and early works, with consideration of phasing options.”
Wood says the business case will consider an alternative option of a rapid bus network on the light rail route.
The Government will await confirmation from partners around agreement to proceed with this option to the detailed business case phase, which will be considered by Cabinet.
The Green Party wants the Government to guarantee it will complete light rail and improve walking, cycling, and bus journeys across Wellington before digging new high-carbon tunnels.
“We are pleased light rail will finally be made a reality in Wellington. Bus priority routes, and a new dedicated walking and cycling tunnel are also to be welcomed. However, the Government’s preferred option for Let’s Get Wellington Moving is not the best for the climate overall. The tunnels will be high-carbon and high cost and could also delay the delivery of safe walking and cycling to the east,” Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says.
‘Doesn’t stack up’
Meanwhile, National Party transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says the announcement does nothing to solve Wellington’s traffic congestion.
“After almost five years in Government and spending almost $40 million on consultants, all the Government has come up with is a preferred option regarding rapid transit in Wellington.
“There is still no commitment from NZTA towards completing a business case, no funding agreement, and no plan to start construction until at least 2028.
Brown adds that Wellingtonians are in need of four lanes for general traffic between Miramar and Wellington CBD.
“Labour might have proposed a ‘four-lane tunnel’, but the reality is that two lanes will be for buses only, leaving only two lanes for general traffic – no different to the current situation, which is the cause of significant congestion and delays.
“Labour has put its ideological preference for light rail ahead of what Wellingtonians actually need with an un-costed plan which doesn’t stack up,” he says.
