In a remarkable change of mind from Steven Joyce's infamous attack in May 2011 on the proposal to build a rail loop underneath the centre of Auckland like those which exist in Sydney and Melbourne, the NZ Prime Minister confirmed today the Government will pay half of the $2.86 billion estimated cost of Auckland's City Rail Link, with the city's council to pay the rest.
The rail link will extend the existing rail line underground through Britomart, under Albert, Vincent and Pitt streets, then beneath Karangahape Road and the Central Motorway Junction to Symonds Street before rising to join the western line near Eden Terrace.
The link will double the number of tracks into Britomart allowing twice as many trains to run in and out of the city, and reducing some journeys by more than half.
"Road's just don't provide it, bus just can't do it. Mass transit on rail is a critical part of any growing international city," Auckland Mayor Len Brown said.
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