“Historic Day” for Auckland

Today is being hailed as an historic day for Auckland.

The transport minister’s confirmation of $500m for Auckland’s rail electrification – with more detail to come – puts an end to worries that the government has gone cold on electrification

I hope ARC chairman Mike Lee has a wine to celebrate tonight because he has fought hard for this – and he calls it “an historic moment for Auckland.

As he puts it: “Fast, frequent, efficient and modern electric train services can now be a reality.”

And as we all know, that can’t come too soon after all the frustrations we’ve had.

Mike Lee calls this of major importance for public transport and Auckland itself. The decision will not only significantly improve the quality of Auckland public transport but also change the way Aucklanders view public transport and their city.

“I believe Auckland’s new electric train fleet will be something Auckland will be proud of.”

Mr Lee says all this has not come easy, but good things never do.

“Auckland has been waiting for this announcement for more than 60 years. Electrification of Auckland rail was first proposed in the 1940s, but advanced plans were ditched on two occasions in the mid-1950s and mid-1970s.

“Users and supporters of public transport in Auckland should be hugely encouraged by today. The decision by Transport Minister Steven Joyce will help the city solve its transport issues and provide significantly greater numbers of people with viable public transport alternatives to their cars.

“This is great news for everybody. The Government and Transport Minister Steven Joyce are to be congratulated for finally delivering on their promise.”

Let’s not stress on the detail right now.

We can now move ahead with the dream – and as Mike Lee says, public transport in Auckland is changed forever.