Auckland Transport considers more electrified rail lines
Auckland Transport is to investigate a $100 million extension of the electrification of the rail network.
The agency is looking at extending electrification south from Papakura to Pukekohe, and will consider a detailed case early next year.
Chief executive David Warburton says the region's 30-year strategy forecasts population growth of more than 50,000 people between Drury and Pukekohe.
The agency's board has agreed the extension would make more sense as part of the current electrification project and purchase of electric trains, the first of which is due next year.
Electric rail to Pukekohe is in the agency's 10 to 20-year plan, and the board has been told if brought forward, it may have to be funded at the expense of other projects.
