Tracking the ongoing tram project

The latest news is released that the Auckland waterfront heritage tram line has been advanced and the government are exploring ways to extend the tramway to the Britomart Transport Center as soon as possible. (AKT, 2011)

 

tramway underconstruction
photo Cred: AKT

And this is what it looks like for Daldy St in the future.

Future view for Daldy Street
photo Cred: AKT

Here are some planning issues with regard to this project:

  

 l  Total cost of restoring the tram system

$8 million.

 l  Explanation of the initiatives of government for carrying on this project

The project is designed with a purpose for making Wynyard Quarter a more attractive place to the visitors. One fact with regard to the tram network is that it is not one of Auckland’s tourist highlights actually, currently, the place around the Wynyard Quarter is not being fully developed and occupied, and with nothing unique for its features, however, the government are confident in developing this area a better place for the tourists in the oncoming years and with an initiatives in transforming this area into an exciting place. I think with regard to the future development, this area is mostly likely to be developed as a recreation center for the local community, especially for the visitors from the outside. Bars, shops, retails are likely the most to be located in this area and the outdoor design of the Wynyard Quarter will be particularly significant in order to achieve the best outcome.

 l  Expected use of the tram

The tram can be quite attractive for the visitors, therefore, the trams are to be used primarily for the tourists, however, it has been recognised by the government that when the tramline gets to Britomart, it could be a different story, as many people work in that area. With regard to this issue, I think there could be a problem in terms of the capacity of the tram and the actual needs of the passengers, that is between the demand and supply.

 l  How the trams are incorporated with the existing transport system

Concerns have been raised with regard to the restoration of the tram system into the existing road network. One of the issues is that as the tramline will run in parallel with the traffic lane, it would have impact on the existing roading system, especially at busy streets where there are large number of cars and buses running on the road. In addition to the heavy traffic, another concern is that as Auckland motorists have not had trams since the 1950s, they may not have any experience to work with the tram, and they may never have learnt the intricacies of manoeuvring around them as practised by experienced locals in Melbourne. (AKT, 2011) In dealing with these issues, I think it’s better for the government to improve on the existing road network, particularly with a focus on the intersection, since the new built tramline will have conjunction with the existing traffic lines.



Melbourne's tram system
Photo Cred: terminalia organisation



Reference:

AKT, (April/7/2011) Waterfront Trams to Britomart, http://www.aucklandtrains.co.nz/2011/04/07/waterfront-trams-to-britomart/, (accessed: 19/04/2011).

AKT, (May/03/2011) Waterfront Trams Near Destination, http://www.aucklandtrains.co.nz/2011/05/03/waterfront-trams-nears-destination/, (accessed: 24/04/2011).