Aucklands train electrification must not be derailed

The Government’s decision to dump regional fuel taxes puts Auckland’s rail electrification project at risk.

Funding for vital parts of the electrification package is now uncertain. This leaves the entire $885 million project – previously funded by the regional fuel tax – in danger of losing momentum, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said today.

Tenders for some of Auckland’s transport projects – including the supply of rolling stock – have already been called, but trains are only part of the equation, Ms Fitzsimons said.

“We understand the Government has promised to fund the purchase of the new electric trains, but that requires the below-track electrification to be funded too. What will happen to the other crucial parts of the package?

“Signalling must be upgraded to make electrification work. Urgent upgrades to stations are needed to make rail usable for passengers. And integrated ticketing is vital to ensure passengers can easily transfer between trains and buses.”

The Government cannot leave regional councils in the lurch with funding projects they have committed to, Ms Fitzsimons said.

“Whether it is funded by a regional fuel tax or from the National Land Transport Fund or by Transport Minister Stephen Joyce running cake stalls is not the issue. The important thing is that Auckland's rail electrification must proceed.

“With oil prices at their lowest in five years this is an easy time to increase fuel prices in order to fund essential infrastructure. That is why transport fuels should be brought into the Emissions Trading Scheme now rather than in two years' time when fuel will inevitably be more expensive.

“Funding uncertainty has the potential to plunge Auckland’s rail electrification into a precarious position. Rail patronage is already on a roll in Auckland, with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s annual figures showing suburban rail use leaping 18.5 percent over the previous year.

“Electrification will provide a faster, cleaner and greener service with much higher capacity and frequency. So this project has substantial economic as well as environmental benefits. It must not be derailed.”