Group pushing for air-rail link

By STUART DYE, transport reporter

A transport lobby group has launched a new campaign for a rail link to Auckland Airport.

Campaign for Better Transport officials say the link is crucial to the future of Auckland and the routes are now firmly on regional transport plans.

Spokesman Cameron Pitches said critical mass was the key to the success of the rail network.

"A high-quality transit link to and from the airport will make it more successful. The airport is a major transport hub already, with over nine million air travellers each year, and employing over 8000 people."

Transit is examining options for a second Manukau Harbour crossing, and a second runway is planned for Auckland Airport.

"A fast journey time between the airport and Britomart will be the key attraction for passengers. The trip by rail should take under 30 minutes, at any time of the day or night, in any weather," said Mr Pitches.

The campaign, working under the banner Airport Maxx, wants the Penrose to Onehunga branch line reopened as the first phase of the plan.

The total cost, the group says, would be about $460 million and it hopes work will start on the first phase within two years.

Campaigners have met Auckland transport chiefs to push their proposals.

Catherine Harland, chairwoman of Auckland Regional Council's transport committee, confirmed they were asking their own officers to investigate and provide detailed costings and plans.

She indicated that the transport plan could be reshuffled to bring an airport link to the fore.

"We support this very strongly. It's a visionary approach and we need to look at how to advance that practically.

"We've asked officers to give us more information.

"The suggestion would be to bring later phases of our plans forward to enable the rail link to happen sooner."

Mrs Harland added that the authority could not take its focus from the present network upgrading plans.

"We are talking about a lot of money and additional rail line extensions," she said.

Meanwhile, the campaign intends pressing its plans on other city councils and transport organisations.

Mr Pitches said: "This idea has been mentioned in numerous regional transport plans many times, but always as an option for the future.

"But the extension to the airport could be completed before the second runway is finished."