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Let's Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) was a proposal to improve Wellington's mass transit, public transport, infrastructure in walking and cycling, and state highways to be delivered over a 20 year period.[1] First announced in May 2019 by the Minister of Transport Phil Twyford with support from the Mayor of Wellington Justin Lester.[2] It was run by the Wellington City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and NZTA Waka Kotahi.[3] Light rail systems have been proposed in Wellington throughout the late-20th and early 21st centuries following the closure of the tram system in the 1950s through to the 1960s. The project was cancelled by the National-led coalition government in December 2023.[4]

History

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Background

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Trams on Courtenay Place in 1928.

A network of electric trams served Wellington, starting operations on 30 June 1904 and ending on 2 May 1964, making it the last regular passenger service in New Zealand.[5] Tramways covered over 52 kilometres in length at their peak.[6] Wellington is now only operating a cable car line.[7]

Initial proposals

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Plans for a light rail system for Wellington date back to 1992 with the Superlink proposal.[8] A light rail route to the Airport that incorporated the Johnsonville Line from a suburban railway to a tram-train. The plan also proposed an 800-meter tunnel under Mt Albert, connecting the Zoo bus terminus area and Coutts St in Kilbirnie.[9] In 1993, a downtown/waterfront heritage tramway as part of the original Wellington Civic Trust project to develop the waterfront.[10]

In 2008, a feasibility study produced by the Greater Wellington Regional Council, the "Ngauranga to Wellington Airport Corridor Plan",[11] outlined the possibility of light rail being used as a solution to link Wellington CBD to Wellington International Airport.[11]

Following the 2010 mayoral elections, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown pledged to investigate light rail between Wellington station and the airport.[12][13] In August 2017 the Green Party updated its transport policy to introduce light rail from the city centre to Newtown by 2025 and the airport by 2027.[14] Mayor Justin Lester reaffirmed his support for light rail along the "Golden Mile" in 2018.[15]

Let's Get Wellington Moving

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Development of the proposal

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The project began as an agreement between the city council, regional council, and Waka Kotahi in 2014, called the Ngāūranga to Airport Governance Group.[16] The group proposes to put a bridge over the Basin Reserve. During the same year, an independent Board of Inquiry declined to consent to the plans.[17] The following year it was terminated after a ruling by the High Court.[18] The partners created "Let's Get Wellington Moving" and began consulting with the public in 2016.[19] The project resulted from a long-standing dispute between proponents of public transport and motorways who saw no progress for two decades.[20] The then-new project focus extended beyond the Basin Reserve and the Airport corridor, focusing on transport behaviour change.[21] In 2017, the Labour Government made funding for public transport a priority, and four future transport scenarios were proposed for public consultation.[22][23] A 2019 study recommended adding a second two-lane Mount Victoria Tunnel for road traffic. It also explored the option of a dual-track rail tunnel to the south of the existing Mount Victoria Tunnel.[24]

In May 2019, Lester with Twyford announced "Let's Get Wellington Moving" a transport package worth NZ$6.4 billion.[25] This included reducing CBD speed limits from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, except on main arterial roads.[26] The revitalisation of Wellington's "Golden Mile" to prioritise public transport and pedestrians over private vehicles.[27] Footpaths widened by up to 75 percent, and bus-only lanes in each direction would run along the stretch, with several side streets being blocked off to private vehicles. The "Golden Mile" includes the Beehive end of Lambton Quay to the end of Courtenay Place.[28] A second Mount Victoria Tunnel was to be prioritised for buses and have dedicated facilities for walking and cycling.[29] Mass transit line linking the railway station with the Hospital, Newtown, Miramar and the Airport.[30] Options on which mass transit to build included electric buses,[31] trackless trams,[32] or light rail.[33]

By 2020, no progress was made in planning the mass transit system; however, light rail was included in the Green Party's transport policy of 2020.[34] In 2021, a light rail route to Island Bay via Newtown was looking to be in the short list of options presented to the public later on that year.[35] In November 2021, the light rail and bus rapid project was officially revealed with four options on different routes that they cloud go; it also included options about improvements at the Basin Reserve and a second Mount Victoria Tunnel.[36] The segregated light rail line for the second Mount Victoria tunnel was projected with a capacity of 12,000 passengers per hour versus 4,000 people per hour in private vehicles.[37][38] The public was consulted with the options over six weeks and a proposal to expand the city's cycling network as well.[39] In 2021, it was planned that a finalised design for the light rail would be ready in 2027 and construction would begin in 2028, and depending on the final decision, it could take 8–15 years to build.[40] While the schedule construction for the second Mount Victoria tunnel was pushed back at least 10 years.[28]

The Plans

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The proposed South Coast light rail, which would have been a line from the Wellington Railway Station to Island Bay. [41]

In 2022, the New Zealand government committed to an estimated NZ$7.4 billion project consisting of a light rail network running from the Wellington city centre to Courtenay Place then either the "southern" route past the Wellington Hospital to the south coast at Island Bay or the "eastern" route to Miramar and Wellington Airport. A second Mount Victoria Tunnel that proposed to have two lanes for cars and two lanes for public transport.[42] It would also see the existing Mt Victoria tunnel turned into one dedicated for walking and cycling.[43][44] New Zealand's Finance Minister Grant Robertson stated that "the southern light rail option is our preferred choice for Wellington because of the significant potential it offers for new housing and neighborhood growth."[45] In 2023, some of the councillors proposed withdrawing from partnership with the regional council and Waka Kotahi; a vote of no confidence was held but failed to gain majority support in the city council.[46] Councillor Nicola Young stated that "Let's Get Wellington Moving will kill our inner city."[47] Waka Kotahi had purchased in October 2023 land for a site for a light rail station near the Basin Reserve on the "southern" route to Island Bay. A charity was considering the site for the proposed Wellington Charity Hospital.[48]

Demise

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In September 2020, the LGWM board commissioned external consultants to review the program, revealing it was at risk of failing to deliver and needed to be paused to address major problems. Issues identified include under-resourcing, staff shortages, a lack of expertise, and a lack of strategic leadership, which may have persisted since its inception in 2015.[49] Joel MacManus of The Spinoff said when LGWM was formed, "No one, not even the people running the show, knew what they were trying to achieve or why it existed."[50] Other problems with the project were it was expensive,[51] slow with long timelines for implementation,[52][53] unaccountable,[54] organisational structure,[50] bureaucratic inefficiency,[55] and bad engagement.

The National Party campaigned to withdraw from LGWM in July 2023, saying that the plan had been "mucked around with for way too long".[56] Chris Bishop, who developed the transport policy for National, said LGWM was a "toxic mess of a programme".[57] In November 2023, the then-new National Government, under their 100-day plan, undertook to withdraw central government from "Let's Get Wellington Moving" except for the second Mount Victoria Tunnel.[58][59]

Sydney's light rail

However, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau tried to propose to both Christopher Luxon and the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown to head over with herself to Canberra or Sydney to look at their light rail projects.[60]

The government announced in mid-December 2023 that the project would be scrapped. Simeon Brown ordered the New Zealand Transport Agency to cease funding and work on various local council projects to promote cycling, walking, and public transportation, including "Let's Get Wellington Moving."[61][4]

Reaction

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Green Party transport spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter criticised, the move, saying that "prioritising the Basin works and tunnel would not improve traffic flow, but would be disruptive." Tamatha Paul, Wellington Central MP, said "All people want is a bus that shows up on time, decent pay for bus drivers, and to move around without having to worry about their safety". Project manager of Cycling Action Network, Patrick Morgan, said new plans for transport in Wellington "are a hodgepodge of failed ideas from the 1960s", and "Everyone except the Government knows you simply can't build your way out of congestion".[62] Whanau said "It will do nothing to grow the city, make it more liveable or tackle the climate crisis. Ramming through a four-lane highway and tunnel won't win the votes of Wellingtonians who have shown consistent support for light rail in the city."[63]

Legacy

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On 17 December 2023, the Government reached an agreement with the Transport Agency, the Wellington City Council and the Greater Wellington Regional Council to halt "Let's Get Wellington Moving". As part of the agreement, the Government agreed to fully fund the Basin Reserve upgrade while the Wellington City Council would take over responsibility over for the Thorndon Quay Hutt Road projects and the Golden Mile revitalisation.[4][64][65]

The disestablishment of the LGWM had no impact on the Golden Mile and Thorndon Quay Hutt Road projects because the NZTA Board already approved funding for these projects in July 2023.[66] The decision to proceed was with Wellington City Council discretion. A small number of consultancy contracts were transferred to the City Council and the remainder expired or were terminated.[66] The LGWM programme spent $180.7 million from July 2015 to March 2024, with $109.7 million borne by NZTA.[67]

Before the dissolution of LGWM, some of its programs were built or was in construction. A pedestrian crossing on Cobham Drive was the first infrastructure project completed[68] but was surrounded by controversy from businesses across Wellington.[69] Then the Aotea Quay roundabout, which replaced the old traffic lights, was completed in April 2024.[70] Late 2023 construction begun on Thorndon Quay to build cycle paths, signalised pedestrian crossings, and peak hour bus lanes.[71][72]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Let's Get Wellington Moving - Transformational Programme: Preferred Option Progress and Mass Rapid Transit Funding Principles" (PDF). Minister of Transport. 15 July 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Let's Get Wellington Moving - E Neke Pōneke". Minister of Transport. 2020. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  3. ^ RNZ (16 December 2023). "Let's Get Wellington Moving grinds to a halt". Stuff. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Let's Get Wellington Moving grinds to a halt". Stuff. 17 December 2023. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  5. ^ "History of Trams in Wellington". Wellington Tramway Museum. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  6. ^ "New Zealand's last electric tram trip". New Zealand History. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Wellington Cable Car". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  8. ^ Efford, Brent (13 December 2015). "Wellington City Rail Link at a glance" (PDF). Nation Builder. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  9. ^ Efford, Brent (26 August 2017). "Welcome and sensible: the Greens' plan for light rail". Wellington.Scoop. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  10. ^ Douglas, Neil (August 1993). "Wellington Heritage Tramway Feasibility Study". Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Ngauranga to Wellington Airport Corridor Plan" (PDF). GWRC. August 2008. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 November 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  12. ^ Nichols, Lane (18 October 2010). "Just how green will we go under Celia?". The Dominion Post. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  13. ^ "New mayor's dream ride". The Dominion Post. 1 November 2010. Archived from the original on 3 January 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  14. ^ "Greens plan light rail to Wellington Airport by 2027". 24 August 2017.
  15. ^ Develin, Collette; Damian George (4 April 2018). "'Strong likelihood' of billion-dollar light rail system for Wellington, says mayor". The Dominion Post. Fairfax. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  16. ^ Green, Kate (16 June 2024). "Mode Shift: What is Let's Get Wellington Moving and what are the options?". Stuff. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  17. ^ "Basin Reserve flyover plan axed". The New Zealand Herald. 22 July 2014. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  18. ^ Genter, Julie (21 August 2015). "High Court Basin flyover decision the right one". The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  19. ^ Guest, Bill (2 March 2021). "Let's Get Wellington Moving: Time To Re-focus" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  20. ^ "LGWM public Q&A" (PDF). Beehive. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  21. ^ Jones, Tim (29 March 2024). "Fixing Basin traffic – launch of new strategy". Wellington.Scoop. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Fair Intelligent Transport (FIT) Wellington. Archived from the original on 15 May 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Let's Get Wellington Moving". WSP. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  24. ^ Smith, Glen (8 February 2019). "An affordable option: rail and road in one tunnel". Wellington.Scoop. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  25. ^ "Mayor Justin Lester makes case for $6.4b Let's Get Wellington Moving project". 19 May 2019. Archived from the original on 19 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  26. ^ Cardwell, Hamish (11 June 2020). "Wellington CBD speed limits reduced to 30km/h with public support". RNZ. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  27. ^ "LGWM to deliver design-led and people-focused city". Wellington City Council. 16 May 2019. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  28. ^ a b MacManus, Joel (30 September 2021). "Explainer: What is Let's Get Wellington Moving?". Stuff. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  29. ^ George, Damian (12 June 2019). "Wellington's extra Mt Victoria tunnel to favour public transport, cyclists and pedestrians". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 July 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  30. ^ Hill, Conor (3 October 2021). "Revenge of the trackless tram". Wellington.Scoop. Retrieved 18 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ^ "Trackless trams for Wellington suggested by Australian consultant". Wellington.Scoop. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  32. ^ Braae, Alex (17 May 2019). "The Bulletin: Some day Wellington's transport woes might get fixed". The Spin Off. Retrieved 18 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  33. ^ George, Damian (11 January 2019). "What is light rail, and how would it work in Wellington?". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  34. ^ "Greens transport policy includes light rail for Wellington, and daily trains to the provinces". Wellington Scoop. 29 September 2020. Archived from the original on 14 October 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  35. ^ MacManus, Joel (29 September 2021). "Trams or a bendy bus? Wellington mass rapid transit down to two options". Stuff. Retrieved 18 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. ^ "Share your feedback on future transport in Wellington". Upper Hutt City Council. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  37. ^ Devlin, Collette; George, Damian (4 April 2018). "'Strong likelihood' of billion-dollar light rail system for Wellington, says mayor". Stuff. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  38. ^ Barnett, Michael (12 December 2017). "Let's get Wellington really moving". Wellington.Scoop. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  39. ^ Campbell, Georgina (1 November 2021). "Options for light rail and extra tunnel announced for Wellington". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  40. ^ "LGWM". Hello LGWM. November 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  41. ^ "South Coast Light Rail". Hello LGWM. November 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  42. ^ Jacobson, Julie (8 March 2023). "Let's get Wellington slowing - through Mt Victoria tunnel at snail's pace". Stuff. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  43. ^ "NZ Government Backs Light Rail, New Tunnel for Wellington". Bloomberg. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  44. ^ "NZ announces new light rail to south coast and tunnel for Wellington". Railway Technology. 30 June 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  45. ^ "NZ govt backs light rail, new tunnel for Wellington". The Malaysian Reserve. 29 June 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  46. ^ "Golden Mile stumbles across finish line". The Spinoff. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  47. ^ Preece, Dewi (29 June 2023). "Major Wellington infrastructure project survives no confidence vote". 1News. Archived from the original on 28 September 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  48. ^ Thomas, Rachel (8 November 2023). "Charity hospitals $150,000 pain for the ghost trains". The Post. Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  49. ^ George, Damian; Witton, Bridie; Tso, Matthew (12 February 2021). "Leaders reject advice to pause $6.4b Wellington transport upgrade, warning public would be 'apoplectic'". Stuff. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  50. ^ a b MacManus, Joel (19 December 2023). "Let's Get Wellington Moving was a giant waste of time". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  51. ^ Hunt, Tom (23 March 2023). "Let's Get Wellington Moving consultant costs climb past $130 million". Stuff. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  52. ^ Alexander, Mitchell (27 May 2022). "Documents reveal Let's Get Wellington Moving has spent $39 million on consultants". Newshub. Archived from the original on 11 April 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  53. ^ "LGWM Options Feedback". Fair Intelligent Transport (FIT) Wellington. 17 November 2021. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  54. ^ Hunt, Tom; Gourley, Erin (29 June 2024). "Last minute bid to stop Let's Get Wellington Moving fails". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  55. ^ Randle, Tony (14 September 2021). "The Lets Get Wellington Moving Commuter Numbers". Wellington Commuter. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  56. ^ Molyneux, Vita (31 July 2023). "National's transport policy: Mayor Tory Whanau blasts 'flaccid vision' to scrap Let's Get Wellington Moving". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  57. ^ McGregor, Catherine (31 July 2023). "Let's Get Wellington Moving? Let's can it, says National". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  58. ^ "Government confirms its 100-day plan". RNZ. 29 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  59. ^ "National promises second tunnel, plus abolition of LGWM". Wellington.Scoop. 5 September 2023. Archived from the original on 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  60. ^ MacManus, Joel (20 October 2023). "Tory Whanau's plan to save light rail? A holiday with Chris Luxon and Simeon Brown". The Spinoff. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  61. ^ Martin, Robin (16 December 2023). "Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initiatives". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  62. ^ "Major Wellington infrastructure project scrapped". 1News. TVNZ. 17 December 2023. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  63. ^ Molyneux, Vita (31 July 2023). "National's transport policy: Mayor Tory Whanau blasts 'flaccid vision' to scrap Let's Get Wellington Moving". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  64. ^ "Thorndon Quay". Transport Projects. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  65. ^ "Wellington City Council taking over some projects from Let's Get Wellington Moving". Wellington City Council. 12 April 2024. Archived from the original on 16 July 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  66. ^ a b "Funding policy for projects" (PDF). NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  67. ^ Hunt, Tom (27 April 2024). "$180m final cost for Let's Get Wellington Moving released". The Post. Archived from the original on 9 June 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  68. ^ Gourley, Erin (31 January 2023). "After years of heated debate, Wellington's Cobham Drive pedestrian crossing starts operating". Stuff. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  69. ^ Cornish, Sophie (5 August 2021). "Wellington businesses, industry groups form coalition over concerns about focus and progress of Let's Get Wellington Moving". Stuff. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  70. ^ "Aotea Quay". Transport Projects. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  71. ^ "LGWM starting work to upgrade Thorndon Quay and southern Hutt Road". Wellington.Scoop. 19 October 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  72. ^ Campbell, Georgina (9 October 2024). "Legal action, cones and speed bumps: The road that closed Bordeaux Bakery". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
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