The Government says major funding shortfalls for Auckland rail services should soon be overcome.
Transport Ministry briefing papers to Transport Minister Steven Joyce show operating deficits for Auckland metro rail services from next year are expected to average about $40 million annually until the end of the decade.
Reasons for the predicted blow-out include increased track access charges, costs associated with new trains and funding not keeping pace with the expanding service.
Mr Joyce says the funding problems will be resolved in the next few months, with the Government, the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport working on a funding package to meet the shortfall.
He says it will put Auckland rail on a sustainable footing for the next decade.
