» NZ Transport Discussion Thread «

[metroman]

I believe an election is looming over there soon. I don't know a great deal about politics in NZ. Rail travel still has along to go to break the over dependence on cars in Auckland. Auckland should have had a good rail system decades ago had they not stuffed up back then, it is realistic to assume Auckland would be much better off economically and a bigger city. Private investment in infrastructure is happening in many places it is the way of the future. Some governments hold things over the public for so long because they fear they will loose popularity.

[kane007]

Originally Posted by metroman

I believe an election is looming over there soon. I don't know a great deal about politics in NZ. Rail travel still has along to go to break the over dependence on cars in Auckland. Auckland should have had a good rail system decades ago had they not stuffed up back then, it is realistic to assume Auckland would be much better off economically and a bigger city. Private investment in infrastructure is happening in many places it is the way of the future. Some governments hold things over the public for so long because they fear they will loose popularity.

Local body - city and regional council - elections happened in October. Re Auckland and it's 7 competing governing bodies, the ARC is status quo, Auckland City reverted to the penny pinching reactionary uber conservatives under John Banks but the North Shore has a pro PT council. The others are basically status quo.

National elections are due October 2008.

Electrification of Auckland's network is picking up speed. The ARC under the central government deadline of 2013 is actually now aiming for 2011. Tenders have been called for EMU's.

[metroman]

That sounds good, I believe they may use some of the trains that are to be used in Wellington from Korea. It would be good to get this thread going particularly one on Wellington which is really going nicely with its new trains and proposed rail upgrades. It would be awesome to see Canterbury get commuter rail.

[EdJ]

I wish they would get the Waterview connection sorted.

Mt Roskill extenion is great untill you get to Manakau Bridge construction.

Still waiting for Waikato Expressway to be complete