Auckland is set to see a quieter, more environmentally friendly rail network now a deal worth more than half a billion dollars has been met.
Auckland City Council mayor Len Brown and the Minister of Transport Steven Joyce came to the agreement, which is said to be of no extra cost to ratepayers.
“The agreement shares the cost of the trains between the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland Council and means more and better public transport for people across Auckland,” says Mr Brown.
Auckland will own more electric trains than originally planned – 57 electric multiple units, or EMUs, compared to the 38 EMUs and 12 electric locomotives previously proposed. Each EMU is made up of three cars.
A regional fuel tax was initially thought to fund the project. Now, as well as the ACC and NZTA splitting the bill repayments, the Crown is making a $90 million grant to assist with the trains’ purchase.
A supplier will be decided on later in the year, finalising the total cost.
“Increased current and forecast use of trains by the Auckland commuters and other factors, such as favourable exchange rates, means we can secure more electric trains than originally budgeted for without any further cost to ratepayers,” says Auckland Council Transport committee chair Mike Lee. “We are confident that we have secured the best possible deal for the people of Auckland, both at the point of purchase and also for the decades to come.”
The council says all-EMU fleet will cost less over their lifespan than the original 38 EMUs plus 12 electric locomotive option.
As a result, there will be enough EMUs to run on all three of the region’s train lines. Previously only the Eastern and Western lines had been budgeted for.
“This is particularly good news for people living and working in the south,” says Len Brown.
Auckland Transport Chairman Mark Ford says the announcement is a major milestone in the development of the region.
He says annual rail patronage has topped 10 million and the addition of the new EMUs will add even greater capacity on the network.
The trains are due to arrive in Auckland from late 2013 and the electrification project will be complete earlier that year.
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