Auckland light rail had positive benefit-cost ratio, investor interest

Auckland light rail had positive benefit-cost ratio, investor interest
As envisaged by ALR, the light rail project would have been more like a metro system: fully grade separated and automated. (Image: ALR)
Oliver Lewis
The cancelled Auckland light rail project reportedly had a benefit-cost ratio of 2.4, meaning it would have returned $2.40 in benefits for every $1 invested.Crown entity company Auckland Light Rail (ALR) included the figure in its briefing to incoming transport minister Simeon Brown in December.The document was publicly released Friday and provided some of the first high-level details from work undertaken by the company to develop a detailed business case – made up of multiple streams, including the economic, strategic and urban commercia...

More Infrastructure

Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out
Policy

Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out

Ferry Holdings only has a mandate to look at Picton, Winston Peters tells backers.

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters
Policy

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters

“We are paying 50-60% more to get our freight to India.” 

Oliver Lewis 25 Aug 2025
NZTA confirms $600m+ for Hawke's Bay expressway work
Infrastructure

NZTA confirms $600m+ for Hawke's Bay expressway work

Construction on a 7km stretch of the expressway is due to start in November.

Oliver Lewis 22 Aug 2025
Port of Auckland gets first fast-track approvals
Policy

Port of Auckland gets first fast-track approvals

The port is undertaking wharf expansions to make it big ship capable. 

Oliver Lewis 21 Aug 2025