Trams prove to be a welcome comeback for Auckland
Published: 9:59AM Friday January 23, 2015 Source: ONE News
The idea of light rail being introduced in Auckland has been mostly welcomed by ONE News readers.
"I think light rail would work well in Auckland. So many other cities have it and it works brilliantly. Much less cost than full heavy rail, and can go around tighter corners and up steeper grades," Hannah Rummery commented on the ONE News Facebook page today.
Transport officials say that exploring the introduction of light rail or trams could be the solution to Auckland's traffic congestion.
Emma Groom's comment mirrored many others, when she said that "trams should never have been disbanded".
Auckland Transport chairperson Lester Levy believes that the time has come for trams to make a comeback in Auckland.
"You would need tracks down the road, but it is new technology, very sleek and moves many more people than you could by bus," he told ONE News.
The trams have been earmarked for six congested roads - Dominion Road, Symonds St, Queen St, Sandringham Road, Manukau Road and Mount Eden Road.
With similar technology introduced in Sydney, Melbourne, Edinburgh and Dublin, Auckland could be next. Auckland Transport thinks it could be built for under a billion dollars.
Transport Blog Analyst Matt Lowrie says trams in Auckland would be useful.
"But with modern light rail it's actually a very useful catalyst to move a lot of people, it can be a very, very useful mode of transport."
Auckland Mayor Len Brown warns people not to get too excited by the prospect because his to-do list is very long as it is.
"That project would have to weigh up like all the other projects against whether or not we'd be doing electric rail out to Pukekohe, busways further up to the north, busway on the Northwest, park and rides."
A report to the council is expected within five months, possibly exploring a private public partnership.
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