Poneke asks why we are not convinced by light rail as an answer to Wellington transportation difficulties. Our reasons are numerous and well considered. We have, for example read all 197 pages of the Ngauranga To Airport Strategic Study Technical Report 1: Description of Options; we have talked to a number of engineers involved in this work; and we have talked to a few members of the Regional land Transport Committee.
Our conclusion is that light rail is most viable as a link between the city and the hospital, but even there it has several disadvantages.
It is relatively expensive $140 - $218 million compared to much more modest costs associated with improved busways
It helps at peak times - indeed is superior to busses at peak travel times, but has surplus capacity outside peak.
It is not as flexible as an enhanced bus service.
It causes major problems on some narrower streets.
It has significant noise and visual pollution issues associated with it, and there are questions about the overall carbon footprint of light rail (compared to electric busses) when issues around manufacture and freight are considered.
A very good summary of pros and cons is set out on pages 69-72 of the Technical report.
So in summary, our current view is that a future generation bus system - such as that pictured on page 69 of the technical report looks a better option.
That said our minds are not closed on this.
