Editorial: Plan for bridge cycling pathway up to investors

Campaigners have had a new idea involving a tolled path to be tucked under the bridge's eastern clip-on. Photo / Brett Phibbs

If nothing else, the campaigners for a walking and cycling pathway across the Auckland Harbour Bridge deserve applause for perseverance. Having had proposals for clip-ons to the bridge's present clip-on lanes and, more recently, cycling and walking lanes rejected, they have a new idea. This involves a tolled path to be tucked under the bridge's eastern clip-on. To push the scheme ahead, they are appealing for guidance from the public.

Certainly, the plan overcomes some of the difficulties that plagued the other proposals. A cost to taxpayers out of all proportion to likely use is removed by the use of tolls to repay hoped-for private investors who would fund the $15 million construction. There would also be no undue strain on the clip-on. Campaigners say that, provided they have a design with the wow factor, they are on to a winner. Sensibly, they are targeting tourists, not daily commuters.

There are reasons for caution, however.

The Transport Minister says a new harbour crossing may be needed in 15 years, at which point the bridge will be freely available to walkers and cyclists. This means the proposed toll is likely to be hiked from an originally planned 95c to $1.95 each way for users of a stored-value smartcard, and $4 for cash or eftpos transactions.

Only in this way can there be a payback period to investors of no more than 15 years. That toll is getting up, particularly given the many windy or wet days when crossing the bridge is not a pleasant experience, no matter what shelter is provided. Such factors are for prospective investors to assess. Above all, transport authorities must have cast-iron guarantees about the construction cost. If so, this enterprise at least has more appeal than prohibitive calls on taxpayer funds.