New Zealand transport minister Phil Twyford says a light rail link to Auckland Airport could provide a future rapid transit connection to the heavy rail network.
Twyford made the comments earlier this month after Auckland Transport awarded a $60 million contract to McConnell Dowell – Built Environs for a new rail and bus interchange at Puhinui station.
Puhinui sits on Auckland’s Eastern and Southern rail lines, roughly six kilometres east of the airport. The new interchange is designed to better facilitate transfers between the rail network to buses to and from the airport.
“One of the first tasks I asked the Transport Agency to take on when we came into government was rapid public transport from Puhinui station to the airport,” Twyford said. “It will be a bus service to begin with and in the future, it will become part of a rapid transit route connecting to Manukau and Botany with a dedicated busway or possibly light rail.”
Puhinui is one part of Auckland Transport’s Airport to Botany Rapid Transit program. Other first steps include new frequent bus services between the airport and the new interchange, and the development of priority lanes along the route.
The development of a rapid transit link along the route is part of the second stage of the program, deliverable from 2021 onwards.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the new Puhinui interchange would create a new southern gateway to the city, and the station itself would be a landmark building.
“This project allows for congestion-free travel to the airport and its employment precinct for people across Auckland,” Goff said. “It will be welcomed by workers and visitors to the city.”