Digital image / P.K. Stowers

The Transport Minister and the mayor of Auckland have clashed over a report recommending plans for the city's transport network.

Len Brown issued a statement claiming a study commissioned by Auckland Transport, said a rail link was necessary to stop the transport system from crumbling under the strain of the city's population growth.

The study warns of significant delays and congestion on all routes into the city centre within the next 10 years, said Mr Brown.

Minutes later, Gerry Brownlee responded in a statement, saying a tunnel is not viable.

The City Centre Future Access Study was carried out in an effort to develop an achievable transport programme for access into the city centre.

Do we need the Auckland rail loop? Vote below and add your comments. Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

1. your views
2. Bill says
   "Surely we need another harbour crossing, not a 3.5 billion dollar rail loop enabling Mt Edenites to travel to work in 10 rather than 20 minutes."
3. Santos says
   "It is time to wake up and bring our rail system into the 21st century. Stop building pointless motorways and extend the rail network."
4. DPC says
   "We aren't the same as the cities in the world that have train sets. Our geography and small population make it economically disasterious to fund and maintain."