By Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers.
Now is the time to reintroduce trains to Huapai.
On behalf of the community I have written to KiwiRail calling for a proper investigation into returning passenger trains to Auckland’s north-west, initially to Huapai and potentially extending to Helensville.
In my open letter to KiwiRail Chair Suzanne Tindal, I requested KiwiRail to provide information on the cost, infrastructure requirements and potential opening date for a passenger service.
KiwiRail staff have previously stalled any investigation, saying that once the City Rail Link (CRL) was completed, their organisation would then have the capacity to thoroughly evaluate passenger rail services to the north-west.
With the CRL now completed and formally handed over to KiwiRail and Auckland Transport, I believe the time has come to reintroduce trains to Huapai.
Public opinion is existing infrastructure could potentially support an hourly shuttle between Huapai and Swanson, including the use of the crossing loop at Waitakere. The Waitâkere Tunnel could potentially accommodate electrification, hybrid-electric or diesel trains.
The north-west remains one of the most difficult commutes in Auckland to commute in, with State Highway 16 carrying extraordinarily high traffic volumes and limited public transport alternatives.
A dedicated NZTA (central Government) rapid transport corridor for buses into Huapai and Kumeû could still be 15 to 30 years away, or potentially longer. Our community believes passenger rail would offer an opportunity to provide traffic relief much sooner.
KiwiRail has responded, saying it is aware of the ongoing interest in bringing passenger trains back to the area. KiwiRail reiterated it has been focused on the delivery of the CRL, but once it opens later this month, 13 September, there is the opportunity to consider how north-west rail could fit into Auckland’s future transport network.
I welcome that commitment – but would add our community unequivocally needs a train service.
The next step is simple: I will get Kiwirail (central Government), Auckland Transport and Auckland Council around the table, establish what is realistically possible, what it would cost and how quickly it could be delivered – and publicly report that back.
North-west residents have waited long enough for better public transport. With the CRL now creating new opportunities for Auckland’s rail network, I believe it is time to push hard for how trains to Huapai do become part of Auckland’s future transport network.
