The fourth main will be essential for any long term inter-regional services, so they can run express through the Auckland metro area. That and electrification to Te Rapa can’t come soon enough!
The CRL would also have cascading effects along the rest of the network, so I think the service patterns AT ends up should have that in mind. Main example I can think of is a line running between Newmarket and Panmure, which would give the 70 more capacity along the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway. Since there's also the plan to extend the Eastern Busway thru it, u could upzone around the entirety of highway to get more people along it onto the 70, which further makes the case for the extension.
Most Westies I talk to just look baffled when you mention the CRL train frequency level crossing impacts on traffic. I don't think many are aware of how it will impact so many busy roads. Even crossings as far out as Ranui, Metcalfe, are already compromised at 10 minute gaps (which aren't 10 as east west rarely coincide)
The fourth main will be essential for any long term inter-regional services, so they can run express through the Auckland metro area. That and electrification to Te Rapa can’t come soon enough!
Hopefully also returning regular passenger rail between Auckland and Hamilton/Tauranga.
The CRL would also have cascading effects along the rest of the network, so I think the service patterns AT ends up should have that in mind. Main example I can think of is a line running between Newmarket and Panmure, which would give the 70 more capacity along the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway. Since there's also the plan to extend the Eastern Busway thru it, u could upzone around the entirety of highway to get more people along it onto the 70, which further makes the case for the extension.
Most Westies I talk to just look baffled when you mention the CRL train frequency level crossing impacts on traffic. I don't think many are aware of how it will impact so many busy roads. Even crossings as far out as Ranui, Metcalfe, are already compromised at 10 minute gaps (which aren't 10 as east west rarely coincide)
To be fair, west of Henderson is (unfortunately) not proposed to get increased frequencies any time soon.