Projects with public safety components go unfunded

Public safety could be compromised by the government’s decision not to co-fund a raft of infrastructure renewal projects proposed for the Metlink public transport network, Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter says.

The regional council estimates it is facing a $134m shortfall in funding over the next three years, after more than 40 projects it put forward for 51% co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund were rejected.

The projects include seismic strengthening of some station buildings and new bus stops with better lighting, upgrades Cr Ponter says, “were proposed to protect the public”.

“A good example of a recent Metlink infrastructure renewal project to enhance public safety is the Naenae subway upgrade.  

“Creating a brighter and safer subway that was previously prone to criminal and anti-social behaviour was the key driver for the project – as determined by community feedback through extensive engagement.

“We’re grateful for the community’s input into the design, and to the government for co-funding the subway upgrade – but we ask the government to reconsider funding our proposals for similar projects that include public safety components.”

Unveiled in May, the Naenae subway upgrade was designed in partnership with the community to provide a safe, modern entry to the train station and a safer pedestrian connection to Avalon.  

The total cost of the upgrade is $2.9m, which includes $14,760 for cultural design elements created by mana whenua; “money well spent on infrastructure to stand the test of time”, Cr Ponter says.

“Good infrastructure renewal not only enhances public safety it reflects the identity of the community – empowering the public to preserve their assets.  

“Public safety is Metlink’s number one priority. Without adequate funding from the government, Greater Wellington will now have to consider unpopular measures such as hiking fares or reducing services to deliver projects that improve safety for our passengers.”

For more information about Metlink project proposals not funded by the government, read the  Letter to MPs, Mayors and Mana whenua - $134m Shortfall in NLTF funding (PDF 334 KB) .

ENDS

Naenae subway upgrade project  

Cost

The total cost of the Naenae subway upgrade project is 2,898,495.67. 

Project funding  

Approximately 51% of the funding for this project came from National Land Transport Funding under the Continuous Programme BAU Capex & Lower Cost Low Risk Infrastructure enhancement fund category. The remaining 49% of funding came from rates and public transport ticket revenue. 

Artwork

The total cost of the artwork commissioned for the project is $14,760.

This includes:

• The design of graphics for use within the subway  
• A report to support the design (PDF 2.1 MB)

Greater Wellington contracted the designers to produce graphics to be wholly owned by Greater Wellington and Metlink. This means that the graphics are able to be used as a part of the Naenae subway upgrade as well as other projects.

Detailed project cost breakdown

Read about the financial transactions associated with the project. (PDF 25 KB)