Infrastructure woes: New concerns for City Rail Link as decision expected for Cook Strait ferries

Communities around the country are waiting with bated breath for news about major infrastructure projects – ones that are set to cost a lot of money. The government’s expected to announce the future of Interislander’s Cook Strait ferries this week – after the $3 billion mega ferry contract was canned last year due to ‘significant cost blowouts’. Meanwhile, a report has revealed a ‘lack of confidence’ in a French contractor’s forecasts for the $5.5 billion City Rail Link in Auckland – the company has execs flying out this month to address concerns. There’s apparently a 50% likelihood the November 2025 completion date will be met. Later on The Front Page, Transporting New Zealand’s Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens is with us to discuss why the industry is on tenterhooks over the upcoming decision around the Cook Strait ferries. But first, Public Transport Users Association chairperson Niall Robertson is with us to discuss the City Rail Link. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.