7. Question No. 7—TransportSHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of TransportQuestion No. 7—Transport7. SHANAN HALBERT (Labour—Northcote) to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about building a futureproofed transport network for Auckland?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport): Last week the Prime Minister and I released five scenarios for a second Auckland Harbour crossing including both bridge and tunnel options. Aucklanders and businesses have made it clear that the biggest barrier to the success of Auckland is persistent congestion after years of inaction. We're on track to fix that. It's vital that we have a harbour crossing that works for Aucklanders reducing congestion and emissions by providing more transport choices for Auckland commuters. Additionally on Saturday I turned the first sod—along with the mayor—on the Eastern Busway which will see massive savings in travel times between Botany and the central city. Together these projects show that the Government is serious about delivering a linked-up low-carbon transport network for the people of Auckland.Shanan Halbert: What are the five scenarios that are being consulted on publicly for the second harbour crossing?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The five scenarios cater for all modes of travel. Each scenario will include a new walking and cycling link across the Waitematā a new light-rail link that will connect Auckland light rail in the city centre and will build generations of resilience into State Highway 1. Some of the scenarios include new tunnels across the harbour through Northcote Devonport or the central motorway junction to Esmonde Road and others include new bridges; some include a combination of both. The scenarios also include ways to connect growing residential and business hubs on the North Shore. I encourage all Aucklanders who are serious about these issues to look at the scenarios online and have their say.Shanan Halbert: How will Aucklanders benefit from the Government bringing forward the delivery of a second harbour crossing?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: The previous version of the Auckland Transport Alignment Plan that was put in place in 2016 planned for a second crossing in the 2040s. We don't think that's good enough for Aucklanders and we're bringing work forward on the crossing so that construction can begin in 2029. Benefits of the project will include more transport choices for commuters faster travel times and increased resilience during extreme weather events. A new rapid transit connection from the city centre to the North Shore will fully integrate with other projects including Auckland light rail and rapid transit to the north-west to allow people to travel seamlessly across Auckland. Once we've received Aucklanders' feedback we'll be confirming a preferred option by the middle of this year.Shanan Halbert: What benefits will the Eastern Busway deliver for Aucklanders?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I was very pleased to help dig the first sod on the next stage of the Eastern Busway between Pakuranga and Botany on Sunday of this weekend. The project will deliver five kilometres of a new separated busway five new bus stations 20 minutes of commuter savings between Botany town centre and Britomart and 12 kilometres of safe and separated walking and cycling routes. Overall it will provide faster travel times and more reliable bus services for Auckland's eastern suburbs. Along with our other investments like Auckland light rail and the second harbour crossing our investment in the Eastern Busway shows that our Government is committed to building a linked-up low-carbon transport system for all Aucklanders and it's been very much welcomed by the good people of Pakuranga and Botany.