New rail link and underground stations are set to rejuvenate public transport in Auckland
Aucklanders are being welcomed to a design showcase for the City Rail Link’s new stations and public spaces from Saturday, April 11 to Wednesday April 15.
The new underground stations at Aotea and a redeveloped above-ground station at Mt Eden, are all part of Auckland’s new Integrated Transport Programme.
The new rail link itself will reduce travel time and boost the frequency of most services, allowing 30,000 people an hour on the rail network, with more connections to bus services and other forms of public transport.
City Rail Link project director Chris Meale says he could not be happier with how the project has developed and feels it will make public transport a more viable option for many.
“We think people will be excited when they see what the project will do for the city,” he says.
“Visitors to the design showcase will also find out how the first stage of construction will roll out later this year.”
Auckland’s population is expected to grow by 700,000 in the next 30 years and the rail link will be vital to meet growing transport needs, Meale says.
Current public transport will be unable to cater for this growth, hindering economic development.
It will likely take more than five years to build at a cost of $2.5 billion.
Meale expects many new businesses to emerge around the stations, especially cafés catering to commuters, which will also benefit the local economy.
“Auckland’s city centre is the heart of the economy and Auckland accounts for 34 per cent of jobs in New Zealand and 37 per cent of the country’s GDP,” Meale says.
“Improved access to the city centre is the key to Auckland’s economic growth.”