The ARTA Years 2004 – 2010 - Auckland Transport

ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS – CASE STUDY
2007: Electrification of the rail network
Around the world, cities with high-frequency metropolitan rail services use electric trains. In 2005, ARTA
undertook a technical evaluation of possible electrification systems and compared the preferred option to diesel trains.
While the start-up costs of electrifying the network were higher than sustaining the diesel system — around $180 million
for infrastructure — the long-term performance and environmental benefits outweighed the status quo. Electric trains
would improve local air quality, reduce noise and vibration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and futureproof the rail
system from fossil fuel price shocks. Electric trains are more reliable and cheaper to purchase, operate and maintain.
They have better acceleration between stations and enable high-frequency services through tunnels.
This technical study formed a significant part of the first comprehensive Rail Development Plan for Auckland, published
in 2006. It set out the business case for electrifying the region’s rail network. This business case was provided to
the Government for funding approval. Persistent lobbying was required by both ARTA and the ARC to convince the
Government to shift direction from its support for diesel trains, with ARC Chair Mike Lee giving an undertaking that the
ARC would back the introduction of a regional fuel tax to pay for the electrification project. The Government considered
the issue for eight months, and in May 2007 Cabinet gave its approval for ARTA to begin the process. In December 2008,
expressions of interest were called for the supply of 140 electric trains. In March 2009, with the cancellation of the regional
fuel tax, the project was reassigned to KiwiRail, and the completion date moved forward to 2013. In January 2010, a
contract was signed for the construction of 3,500 masts to support 80km of overhead wires. A supplier for the 38 electric
multiple units (EMUs) is expected to be contracted early 2011, out of a shortlist of four bidders.
Electric trains make it possible for the first time for Auckland to have an underground CBD Loop, as diesel trains cannot
operate in long, confined tunnels. Similar metro rail projects in other cities such as Melbourne have resulted in more jobs
being created and significant urban development and renewal around the stations. And with Britomart as a through
station rather than a terminal, the total capacity of the rail network would also increase.
Partners: KiwiRail, ARTA, ARC
Cost: $500 million for train fleet and $180m for civil engineering, overhead wiring and signalling
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