Ten biggest mistakes in the history of transport in Auckland
Launch of book From Revival to Survival: Auckland’s Public Transport since 1860, by Graham W A Bush, 2014
- Unavoidable element of being wise after the event
- This is what gives historians justification for their trade
- Admittedly subjective – other failures identifiable and some may even think should be classed as a success rather than a failure
- Arguably biggest because of transport implications is unchecked urban sprawl
- Failure to construct an underground CBD rail loop from Britomart to Beach Road
- Shifting of central rail station from Britomart to Beach Road
- Adoption of Master Transportation Plan (1955)
- Rundown and closure of the tram system (1949-56)
- Construction ‘bare bones’ austerity of Harbour Bridge (1954-59)
- Near total abandonment of the ferry system (1959)
- Progressive closure of the trolley bus system (1970-80)
- Failure to build Robbie’s rapid rail (1975)
- Rundown and almost closure of suburban railway network (1970-2000)
- Solution to congestion is more roads (last 50 years)
And for good measure
11. Failure to provide EFFECTIVE transport PLANNING machinery for almost 150 years.