I’m pleased to see things finally get to this stage. I remember commuting by train as a student while the idea for this project was being kicked around by politicians. I don’t live in Auckland any more, and don’t think I ever will again, but I hope this project makes the Auckland CBD a thriving place to be.

My eyes were opened when I used the train to get around Sydney as a tourist. If we can approach that level of infrastructure we’d be lucky, but it seems like the basic idea of a central loop to support frequent train services has now been built.

Meanwhile, the regions languish.