'It didn't achieve much': Auckland light rail cancelled

Auckland light rail will live on as renders instead of physical infrastructure. (Image: ALR)

Sun, 14 Jan 2024

The government has cancelled Auckland light rail, a contentious megaproject that was pitched as a development enabler and congestion killer.Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern promised light rail between Auckland central and the airport in 2017 after she assumed the leadership of the Labour party, picking up on previous plans by transport agency Auckland Transport, which had been working on light rail as a solution to bus congestion problems in the central city.The planning process was complicated by an unsolicited bid to fund and build light...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Unlock access to all stories with this special annual deal for just $99. Sale ends Monday 25 November 2024 11.59pm.

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.
Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Subscription renews at $349. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}