Deadline ahead for Auckland rail sale

All eight of Auckland region's councils have now signed a memorandum of understanding with the Crown to work together to negotiate the purchase of the assets.

Auckland City Mayor, Chris Fletcher, says by signing the memorandum the councils of Auckland have shown that they are prepared to work as closely as they can with the Crown.

"We want to get the best deal at the best price to deliver what Aucklanders need to help solve our transport problems.

"The Government has promised it will deliver the Auckland rail corridors to Auckland. The region is committed to doing everything possible to assist this process."

Mrs Fletcher says the agreed deadline for delivery of a satisfactory deal with Tranz Rail - set for the end of August - is now looming, and region wants to see evidence that progress is being made on the deal.

"The 31 August deadline is important to us. We don't want to be left high and dry with railway ownership issues unresolved. We have to make some urgent major decisions about how to simply keep the rail service going beyond the end of Tranz Rail's contract in mid 2003."

"Secondly, what we need from the deal is the ability to deliver rapid transit for Auckland. Attention to the detail is important - it's not just a case of doing a deal for the lowest possible price."

The memorandum of understanding with the Crown follows the Government's announcement March in that it would take over purchase of Auckland's railway network and act as lead negotiator.

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