A multibillion-dollar price tag is the cost of ensuring Hamilton doesn’t suffer the same crippling traffic congestion as Auckland. City leaders have, for the most part, given their backing to a 30-year strategy which aims to break Hamilton’s dependency on private car travel. \
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Yet securing enough funds to turn the $3 billion – $6.5 billion vision into reality isn’t the only challenge facing decision-makers, as they debate how best to convince reluctant residents to embrace public transport. \
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A high-level business case was supported in principle by the city council’s strategic growth committee this week and maps out in broad terms how Hamilton and its neighbours can lower vehicle emissions and reduce traffic congestion while accommodating strong population growth.
