Is Light Rail Making a Comeback? One Bold Proposal Just Took a Giant Leap Forward
Earlier this year, Te Waihanga, New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission, opened the floor for Round 2 submissions to its Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP). The goal? To identify projects that are nationally significant, align with New Zealand’s strategic goals, offer real value for money, and are actually deliverable. From government agencies to private citizens, anyone could pitch their ideas. But here’s where it gets interesting: I, as an unaffiliated individual, submitted a proposal for light rail on Auckland’s isthmus—and it’s just been endorsed at ‘Stage 1’ under the name Mass Rapid Transit in the City Centre to Māngere corridor.
But here’s where it gets controversial... While this endorsement is a huge step forward, it’s also a stark reminder of how much work remains. Light rail has been a passion project of mine since I first got involved in transport advocacy. After the government scrapped plans for the City Centre to Māngere corridor earlier this year—without offering a replacement—this feels like a lifeline. And yes, I’ve been writing a book on the saga of light rail over the past decade, so trust me when I say I’ve seen it all. (Though the book’s still a work in progress, I did uncover some fascinating insights, like this 2021 draft cabinet paper that reveals Labour’s last-minute light rail switch—check it out here: [link].)
So, what does this endorsement mean? In Te Waihanga’s words, the IPP is a standardised process to identify projects that meet national priorities. Endorsements come in three stages: Stage 1 identifies problems needing business case development, Stage 2 evaluates multiple solutions ready for detailed design, and Stage 3 marks an investment-ready project. My proposal joins 24 others endorsed in Round 2, bringing the total IPP list to 44 projects—including big names like Golden Triangle Rail Electrification and Queenstown Transport proposals.
And this is the part most people miss... While my proposal was endorsed at Stage 1, it wasn’t quite ready for Stage 2. Why? Because the process over the past decade has been, frankly, a mess. There’s no single business case that comprehensively outlines all the options explored for isthmus light rail. For instance, Auckland Transport’s work between 2014-2018—which concluded that light rail was the best solution for capacity constraints—wasn’t properly documented. And the more recent business cases from the 2020s? They failed to quantify the cost of the problem in the CC2M corridor, making it hard to justify higher-cost options like a tunnelled metro system.
Here’s the kicker: Despite the challenges, this Stage 1 endorsement is a huge win. It means the problem is officially on the national radar, and we’re one step closer to a solution. But what’s next? Well, it’s time for an agency—whether central government or Auckland Council—to take the reins. As Geoff Cooper, Te Waihanga’s Chief Executive, points out, endorsement doesn’t guarantee funding, but it does signal to decision-makers that this project has passed independent scrutiny.
Now, for the controversial question: Is Auckland Council the best entity to pick this up? With Auckland Transport soon to be absorbed into Council and the 30-Year Integrated Transport Plan in development, the timing feels right. But will they seize the opportunity? And what about the mode choice for the City Centre to Mt Roskill section? Light rail on the surface, as I proposed, or something else entirely?
One thing’s for sure: this is just the beginning. Whether you’re a light rail advocate or a skeptic, this project is worth watching. And if you’re as passionate about Auckland’s future as I am, stay tuned—because Greater Auckland will be diving deep into transport and housing solutions in 2026. What do you think? Is light rail the answer, or is there a better way forward? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
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