Subscribe to RSSAuckland Airport Ignores Rail Issue
Auckland Airport Ltd’s annual report, out today, makes mention of the “possibility of a future Rapid Transit Network link to the airport” but stops well short of specific mentions of an airport rail link and praises recent motorway improvements.
The relevant section reads:
“We have been working with city planners and transport authorities to help advocate and accelerate longer term improvements to airport-related public transport services, including the possibility of a future Rapid Transit Network link to the airport.
“Auckland Airport has been proactive in working with the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA), territorial authorities and bus operators to progress an improved airport to CBD bus service (Airbus Express), a bus link from airport to North Shore (The Northern Flyer), a new bus link to Manukau City (The Airporter), the use of the Northern Busway by airport shuttles, and extended clear routes and bus lanes along main CBD/ airport transport arteries.
Pleasing progress has been made on improved roading infrastructure (such as the State Highway 20 upgrade and the completion of the second Manukau Harbour crossing), which has already made a significant difference to the ease and journey time of road transport to and from the airport, and we look forward to the benefits that will be delivered by further roading projects nearing completion.”
Auckland Airport: No mention of an airport rail link
The report says among new products and services over the last year was the introduction of an online booking system for car parking at the airport. The online system provides airport customers with the ability to book and prepay online, ensuring their parking space is guaranteed and often at a significantly discounted price.
The report says that the offer has proven exceptionally popular and demand has exceeded expectations; in some customer segments we have seen over 30% percent growth, despite the service launching only in May.
6 Comments
Are you surprised? When the Minister of Trucks and the Minister of I’m Not Financing That are both totally against rail to the airport it would be pointless to mention. Particularly since an annual report is a legal document, and things in it could come back to bite them in the future with shareholders.
An annual report is usually a report on the year just gone, not on whats ahead, hence the mention of completed roading projects.
While its clear that they are in support of ‘better public transport’ It wouldn’t be sensible for Auckland Airport to take firm sides in the future debate between local and central government planners/funders just yet.
The airport won’t bother with anything as long as the good people of New Zealand keep paying to widen the motorways leading to it, they can keep growing and developing their commercial land to their hearts content.
However, if the government said “right the motorway network is finished, no more widenings and duplicated bridges”, you see how quickly the start calling for a railway line.
Nick, they’re already on record as saying they want rail run to the airport. The current position is pretty much just hedging bets, on the grounds that if we’re lumped with National for another term (or, heaven forfend, another two terms) then rail’s not going anywhere near the airport for a long, long time.
“While its clear that they are in support of ‘better public transport’ It wouldn’t be sensible for Auckland Airport to take firm sides in the future debate between local and central government planners/funders just yet.”
Actually, they have no big interest in rail to the airport, they just don’t want to say out loud that they are making tons of dosh from the car parks. So all they say is zilch - or empty phrases in favour, but no real push.
If Auckland Airport was SEPARATE from the main car park operations, I suspect you’d see them calling quite loudly for airport rail, National in power or not.
Matt, if McCully, Steven Joyce and the “Smiling Assassin” stay in play, the mayor better steer clear of the grassy knoll or he’ll end up on the scrap heap like the airport rail link. RWC takeover was a cheap warning shot!!