"That would effectively unite these two incredibly important labour markets, opening up the growth potential in both places and that could have huge spinoffs.
"My hope is that we can work steadily towards that in the next few years."
Transport Minister Phil Twyford. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Twyford said until the business case and costings were complete, he would not put a timeframe on it.
He said a regular train commuter service between Hamilton and Auckland, due to start in the middle of next year, was an important starting point in improving the link between the two cities.
Hamilton City councillor Dave Macpherson, who chairs the growth and infrastructure committee, said rapid rail was not dependent on the success of the commuter service, but it would help.
"If that goes well then you are going to accelerate the need for rapid rail and the business case for it will be improved."
Macpherson said a rapid rail link would need a completely new line.
"The existing line isn't clearly set up for really rapid rail, it's a stop-start affair, going through swamps and wetlands and choke points on bridges and all sorts of things.
"It was never planned to quickly connect Auckland and Hamilton, so the thinking is that in the next 10 years we have to have a plan in place," Macpherson said.
