20 Oct 2023

Cheaper Auckland Light Rail option could be discussed

From Morning Report, 7:48 am on 20 October 2023

Auckland light rail might not be off the table just yet, despite National saying it wanted to cancel plans for such a system within its first 100 days in office.

Treasury estimates put the final budget for the project - which would connect parts of Auckland to the airport - at between $7.3 billion and $29.2 billion dollars.

National leader, Christopher Luxon, said the money would be better spent elsewhere.

But now Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has proposed a cheaper option, which the incoming Prime Minister says he's open to discussing once a government is formed.

Matt Lowrie is a public transport commentator and editor of the Greater Auckland blog.

Lowrie spoke to Corin Dann.