Bob Harvey: Not the way Robbie would have liked it

I have always believed in a fast, rapid rail future to complement road, bus and harbour transport.

In the 1960s I became closely involved with Dove Myer Robinson's election campaigns to sell to Auckland City ratepayers the concept of a rapid rail system.

In cold halls we campaigned, not only for Robbie's re-election, but for how smart trains could transform our lives.

I was a devotee of Robbie and his dream, and of all the Auckland mayors I am the only link with Robbie and his vision.

In my advertising agency we created brochures and visuals that would inspire his audiences. At mayoral forums, held in the Auckland City Council chamber, I have felt the ghost of Robbie listening to our deliberations and the long presentations on what we couldn't do.

As the clock ticked away and the months and years went by, our options became fewer and our enthusiasm and passion for rail dwindled, overtaken by political expedience and a desire to finish the motorways and build more.

Today I will catch the first train into Britomart from the Henderson station. I will bring with me councillors and iwi representatives.

As we travel into Auckland City we will pass western suburbs waking up - early morning factory workers, students and hopefully business men and women who may very well in future consider taking this train rather than their car.

For me, it will be a reluctant ride.

I wanted more than what has been delivered. I am bitterly unhappy that a great opportunity for a city as dazzling and stylish as Auckland has been lost.

It is not that we haven't had the time, nor has the climate been difficult. We have wanted the best, indeed expected the best.

But the trains are second-rate and, unfortunately, so is the thinking that has let the region down.

For the region which has hosted America's Cup campaigns with style, built an impressive Sky Tower and a city that looks stunning by day and night, I can't believe it has come to this.

After all the effort and energy, collective thinking, workshops and endless consultation on how a transport network would flow and link the region, we will trundle in through the breaking dawn in hand-me-down carriages.

Waitakere City didn't even rate an invitation to the blessing of the Britomart complex.

Considering our input and support, it is somewhat disappointing the invitation was lost in the mail. Our strong iwi connections with Ngati Whatua and Auckland City failed to include us in what I would consider to be a very important part of our history.

When we arrive at Britomart and the promised breakfast, I am sure we will be impressed. It is an extraordinary building and it has been a long time since the region has built a railway station.

The journey will be sufficient for me to acknowledge the western line and a future hopefully better than the past.

I won't be going to the opening of Britomart when it happens - I'll leave that celebration for those who think they deserve it.

I hope in future the people of Waitakere City will see the possibility of a rail transportation system that is viable and modern. I am sure it is not too much to ask that trains run on time, be clean and safe, modern and comfortable, and be a much more attractive alternative to sitting in your car on the Northwestern Motorway for hours on end.

I live in hope.

* Bob Harvey is Waitakere Mayor.