Wynyard and Auckland CBD LRT?

So what sort of public transport links will there be to and from Wynyard Quarter? What transport planning and systems will be needed to deliver the 70/30 transport mode split required by the relevant District Plan documents - between sustainable modes (walking, cycling and PT), and private vehicle trips?

Already Auckland Transport is redesigning Auckland's bus network, for example, and this might affect future service options into and out of Wynyard Quarter.

Who is planning for the future public transport linkage needs of all those people who will live, work and play on Wynyard Quarter? Home to - thousands of new CBD residents - and thousands of new workplaces....

One of the options is Light Rail. Perhaps a Light Rail link could be developed that runs along Queen Street. Lower Queen Street to start with, along Quay Street, past Viaduct, just sliding past the Maritime Museum, across - somehow - beside the heritage bridge, through the Te Wero island carpark, across a strengthened bridge (current lifting one is for pedestrians), and along Jellicoe Street on existing rails, and Beaumont. Future extensions could be further up Queen Street. Or service could be a loop. Or could echo some of the older tram lines....

But. There are problems with an alignment through Te Wero. Waterfront Development Agency want a "fast frequent" service. Would this be compatible with the vision of a Harbour Edge stitch which prioritises Quay Street and along into Viaduct as a child and family friendly promenade. A people place. Allowing for the sort of energy we saw down there during the rugby world cup. (By the way - see this, and all the way through this to the end.)

This optional route for LRT is interesting. It does require another - longer bridge - but it does protect the Quay Street alignment for the sort of waterfront pedestrian energy Auckland should be able to tolerate and encourage and have more often.

It also activates the unsuccessful Waitemata Plaza. And it would be a central transport plank that would enable and inspire the development of Wynyard Quarter Central Precinct - eg it could run along Madden Street.

Another important benefit of this alignment is that it would take LRT along Custom Street to Queen Street. This would be part of any transformation of Custom Street to being a premier CBD street with the high quality streetscape and amenity that are associated with LRT.

This bridge might not be a lifting bridge - which would mean that the most inner Viaduct basin would not be for high masted craft. Such things would need to be weighed of course. But it is essential that the new piece of city that is evolving at Wynyard is well connected, and that the pedestrian environment is respected and developed to the maximum extent.

And then there is this alignment option. It may be a bit fiddly going through the small streets of the Viaduct, and impede speed and frequency, but it would avoid the need for another bridge. There is also the option of running LRT along Fanshaw - but that has the Northern Busway and is well served by a fast and frequent service.

Waterfront Auckland needs some serious short and long term transport planning to deliver 70/30 split and land use excellence.