There is a lot of chatter, commentary and excitement ahead of the City Rail Link (CRL), but for some Aucklanders the wide-ranging benefits of the new rapid transit network remain a mystery.
Opening in the second half of this year, CRL is Auckland’s ticket to becoming a truly international city. But how? Here is the answer in the words of the experts:
1. Modern city
‘The City Rail Link itself, the upgrade of station neighbourhoods, and the new CRL-enabled timetable will improve how the city moves, grows and competes. It will open up easy and efficient travel in and around the city for those further from the city centre, while connecting the likes of Pukekohe and Franklin with our urban population. Everywhere benefits.’ Read more from Councillor Andy Baker on the value of CRL for Aucklanders.
2. Efficiency
‘This is the largest, most complex transport project undertaken in New Zealand for decades. It sets a benchmark. It will mean you’ll get to work faster in the morning, you’ll get home faster at the end of the day, and if you’re heading somewhere on the network on a Saturday night it will be a much more efficient and seamless trip.’ Hear more from Auckland Council Director of Resilience and Infrastructure, Barry Potter.
3. Value
‘This major infrastructure investment will deliver a significant return on the council’s 50% stake in the project, when it doubles the number of people experiencing a public transport journey time of 30 minutes or less into the city centre by train from opening day in 2026.’ Learn more from Auckland Council Principal Transport Advisor, George Weeks.
4. Walkability
‘Incrementally, 21,000 more city centre residents, 17,200 more students and 37,000 additional (existing) jobs will be within a 12-minute walk of two new stations, once CRL is operational.’ Read this and more from George Weeks.
5. Productivity
‘Improved connectivity between people and jobs enabled by CRL will drive urban productivity. A more productive Auckland is not only more competitive in attracting people, skills, and investment; ultimately, it’s a more liveable place for everyone.’ Auckland Council Chief Economist, Gary Blick explains more on OurAuckland.
6. Housing
‘CRL makes transport-adjacent locations more accessible and desirable, improving the feasibility of high-density homes in these areas. This helps housing supply respond to demand and more housing should, over time, help moderate price growth’. Gary Blick shares more in this OurAuckland article.
7. Neighbourhoods
‘CRL is much more than a transport project - it’s a city-shaping investment. Station neighbourhoods create places that connect people seamlessly to jobs, learning, culture and daily life, while supporting a more walkable, resilient and low-carbon city centre. They are critical to unlocking the full value of the City Rail Link.’ Read this and more from Auckland Council Priority Location Director – City Centre, Simon Oddie.
8. Active modes
Two examples of new cycleway systems in CRL precincts: separated bike lanes along each side of Karangahape Road and new separated cycle lanes on Canada Street and East Street linking up with existing cycle routes such as Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath. Pitt Street and Vincent Street are also now linked into the cycle network.
And the second example: ‘Victoria Street West – on the doorstep of CRL’s Te Waihorotiu Station – is now a tree-lined section of street with one lane of vehicles in each direction, connected laneways, wide footpaths with places to sit and spend time, and a new cycleway.’ Read this and more from Simon Oddie.
Victoria St is now more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers with specific lanes set in place, and greenery helping to add to the city centre's new vibrant energy.
9. Trees
The recently planted trees in Victoria Street (at one of the CRL station entrances) will add to Auckland’s healthy and diverse network of green infrastructure, which is critical across the region.’ Councillor Richard Hills shares more on OurAuckland.
Te Hā Noa is an example of how midtown in Auckland's city centre is becoming a must visit destination with stunning natural displays spread out amongst many wonderful businesses to visit in the area.
10. Sustainability
‘The more people use the rail network and the more vehicles come off the roads, the more sustainable Auckland becomes.’ Barry Potter explains more in this article.
11. Tourism
Auckland competes in a highly dynamic global market for tourists and major events. CRL is tipped to give the city a new edge in both arenas. Fans will be able to travel from Henderson to a game at Go Media Stadium and from Glen Innes to a concert at Eden Park with a single train trip. Learn more from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director Destination, Annie Dundas.
12. Experience
‘When the stations open, I think people will be surprised with what they see. They are very beautiful, immaculate, 21st century structures of the kind we’re just not used to.’ Read this and more from George Weeks.
13. Investment catalyst
‘CRL’s new stations will drive quality development, just as Waitematā Station has in downtown. It will have a positive catalyst effect.’ Barry Potter explains more in this OurAuckland article.
The recently renovated Waitematā Station will help accommodate many visitors who will be visiting the city centre thanks to the soon to open City Rail Link.
14. Inclusion
‘Connectivity is essential for smaller and mid-sized cities (like Auckland) to harness economies of scale. There is a strong correlation in most (global) city benchmarks between transport infrastructure quality and access to good public services, air quality, responsible carbon emissions and social inclusion.’ Read the full 2025 State of the City Report.
Throwing more light on the optimism of these experts, business leader and NZ Herald columnist Cecelia Robinson says: “Infrastructure is optimism made physical."
The City Rail Link (CRL) launch is a major highlight for the year ahead. City Rail Link information brochures are available in eight languages on the Auckland Transport website.