Manukau and Otahuhu Interchanges victims of politics?

While it seems other public transport projects such as rail from Onehunga to the Airport seem to be in total disarray (see Tweets below), the situation around the Manukau and Otahuhu Transport Interchanges being delayed six years could be resulting of shall we say less than desirable politics.

Are Our Public Transport Projects Being Treated as Political Footballs?

Questions Sent to the Mayor on Friday

1. Are you aware that these two transport interchanges have been delayed six years from 2015 until 2021
2. To your knowledge why have these transport interchanges being delayed for so long if they are delayed
3. What happened to any apparent funding that was meant to allow both interchanges to be built and operational by the end of next year
4. Why are the future proceeds from the sales of three parcels of Lot 59 in Manukau where the Manukau Interchange is to be built as allowed by the Finance and Performance Committee in September (much to the disgust of the Southern Auckland communities in any case) not being actively ring fenced by Council, so those land sale proceeds could be used to pay for the construction of the Manukau Interchange thus not put pressure on general funding streams. I believe the proceeds were to be around $11-$18m at the minimum which would cover a very large proportion of the $16.9m price tag for the Interchange
5. Will the delay in both Interchanges have any further consequences on the New South Auckland Bus Network starting mid 2015 for which both (especially Otahuhu) which are reliant on those interchanges being operational
6. If the Manukau Interchange is being delayed until 2021 I assume that the current stops outside the Scentre (Westfield) Mall Entrance by the food court will remain in operation? Will in the interim Council and AT do some quick cheap remedial works to spruce up the run down stops until the Interchange at Lot 59 is built
7. With the Manukau Interchange now apparently stalled for 6 years is there a chance to go back to the drawing board or rather start from scratch and get a Community led design for the interchange rather than an AT led one that no one effectively like thus later ridiculed (note: Sawtooth designs do not work for Metro Bus Stations)
8. Finally if the Manukau Interchange has stalled until 2021 will the Land Sale at Lot 59 be put on hold if not cancelled. I ask because of the Urban Development risk where you have the lots in yellow being developed once the land is sold but the section in blue which AT hang onto and is meant to be used for the Interchange is left rather barren – that is we have a potential eyesore looming unless the Interchange is built 2015.

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Reference Links

Manukau and Otahuhu Bus Interchanges Delayed

The Weekend Analysis: Council and Auckland Transport Seriously Annoying Auckland – Again

The Sunday Roast/BBQ