The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

only a genuine shift to rail will put NZ on track to reduce emissions

  • Written by Philip Laird, Honorary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong
only a genuine shift to rail will put NZ on track to reduce emissions

Both the Labour government[1] and the opposition National Party[2] have now released major transport polices that put the emphasis on maintaining and expanding roads.

The cost and priority of various projects will clearly be an election issue. But at the heart of the debate lies an inconvenient truth about climate change: encouraging road transport while needing to reduce carbon emissions simply does not add up.

We can see this tension in transport agency Waka Kotahi’s own policy statements[3]: road safety and better travel options on the one hand, addressing sustainability on the other. But transport is responsible for 17%[4] of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, road vehicle use has been increasing, as has the popularity of larger cars and SUVs that create more emissions per kilometre. Road congestion has become worse, with the popular response being to expand road capacity.

Hence the present government’s recently announced plans for a second harbour crossing[5] in Auckland involving two road tunnels. And the main thrust of National’s Transport for the Future policy is on more urban and intercity roads. Both Labour and National favour a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington.

In the background sits the government’s Rail Plan[6], which sets out the “vision and priorities for rail over the next decade and beyond”. But given the clear need for New Zealand’s transport policies to change, the planned improvements need to be on a fast track.

Light rail right next door

Cars and planes are convenient, but both have low energy efficiency compared to rail.

Data source: Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2019[7] A car’s carbon emissions per passenger kilometre can be around four times that of domestic rail (as shown by the graph above, based on UK data). The government’s transport plans for Auckland do include light rail[8], but National has promised to scrap[9] the scheme if elected. Looking across the Tasman, however, there is good evidence that light rail should not be this contentious. Few might have predicted that Queensland’s Gold Coast light rail network – G:link[10], which opened in July 2014 – would see six million riders in its first 12 months of operation. Work started on a second stage within 24 months, with construction of a third stage now under way. Read more: 70 years of road-based policies created today's problems – does National’s transport plan add up?[11] The system has now seen more than 73 million paid passenger trips since it opened, with upwards of ten million trips likely[12] in the 2022-23 year. In 2019, three other new light rail systems opened in Australia: a short section in Newcastle, another in Canberra (where post-COVID patronage is recovering), and Sydney’s CBD and south-east line[13] (where patronage is also bouncing back). Adelaide’s single line was also extended during the 2010s. However, the combined patronage of all of these new light rail systems is far exceeded by Melbourne’s trams, now building back to pre-COVID levels of 205 million rides[14] in 2018-19. This is all part of a remarkable renaissance of light rail around the world. New Zealand could be part of this – if the will was there. Light rail success: Melbourne’s trams have seen more than 200 million rides per year. Getty Images The freight factor New Zealand’s historical shift from rail to road as the primary mode of freight transport has seen an ever-increasing dependence on trucks. While road freight grew steadily in the first two decades of this century, rail freight[15] in 2021-2022 was the same as it was in 1999-2000. Road freight does have some advantages, including point-to-point delivery and flexibility. But for many freight movements, using trucks rather than rail increases emissions[16] by a factor of three. If reducing freight emissions is the goal, shifting some from road to rail is a logical solution. Read more: New Zealand must get over its obsession with big cars and go smaller or electric to cut emissions[17] Rail will therefore have to increase its own energy efficiency, including through more electrification of rail routes such as the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga and Palmerston North-Waikanae links. While this was hinted at in the government’s 2023 budget, it doesn’t appear in the recently released draft government statement[18] on land transport. Increasing the allowable axle loading for freight wagons across the rail network would also allow trains to carry heavier loads, improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Finally, the North Island main trunk needs upgrading to make the track straighter and allow trains to go faster. In turn this will make rail more attractive and help reduce emissions. Read more: To get New Zealanders out of their cars we'll need to start charging the true cost of driving[19] When’s the next train? Clearly, roads need to be maintained, and New Zealand’s road network has to be made more resilient to adverse weather impacts. But expanding road capacity at the expense of a more efficient rail system and improved public transport is a recipe for increasing emissions. While road congestion in major cities is a problem, overseas experience tells us that more road capacity only increases vehicle use. The net result is more, not fewer, transport emissions. Read more: Why restoring long-distance passenger rail makes sense in New Zealand – for people and the climate[20] It would make more sense to upgrade the rail network to move more freight and transport more urban and intercity passengers. In fact, the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee has recently recommended[21] that the Ministry of Transport investigate how the Rail Plan could better incorporate inter-regional passenger rail. But New Zealand needs to move beyond recommendations. As the International Energy Agency has noted[22]: “Rail transport is the most energy-efficient and least carbon-intensive way to move people and second only to shipping for carrying goods.” Whichever parties form the next government have an opportunity to put New Zealand transport on the right track. On the evidence so far, however, it could be a slow train coming. References^ Labour government (www.beehive.govt.nz)^ National Party (www.beehive.govt.nz)^ policy statements (www.nzta.govt.nz)^ responsible for 17% (environment.govt.nz)^ second harbour crossing (www.beehive.govt.nz)^ Rail Plan (www.transport.govt.nz)^ Data source: Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2019 (www.gov.uk)^ include light rail (www.newshub.co.nz)^ promised to scrap (www.nzherald.co.nz)^ G:link (ridetheg.com.au)^ 70 years of road-based policies created today's problems – does National’s transport plan add up? (theconversation.com)^ ten million trips likely (translink.com.au)^ CBD and south-east line (www.smh.com.au)^ 205 million rides (www.ptv.vic.gov.au)^ rail freight (www.kiwirail.co.nz)^ increases emissions (www.railfutures.org.au)^ New Zealand must get over its obsession with big cars and go smaller or electric to cut emissions (theconversation.com)^ draft government statement (consult.transport.govt.nz)^ To get New Zealanders out of their cars we'll need to start charging the true cost of driving (theconversation.com)^ Why restoring long-distance passenger rail makes sense in New Zealand – for people and the climate (theconversation.com)^ recently recommended (selectcommittees.parliament.nz)^ has noted (www.iea.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/slow-train-coming-only-a-genuine-shift-to-rail-will-put-nz-on-track-to-reduce-emissions-211662

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...