Should electric trains be a priority for Auckland?

Electric carriages at Wellington Railway Station. Photo / Mark Mitchell

KiwiRail has set the bogies rolling for its $500 million purchase of sleek electric trains for Auckland, telling international suppliers it wants to close a deal by this time next year.

It also wants the trains capable of operating up the steep grade of a 3km central Auckland rail tunnel.

A preferred route has been chosen for a $1 billion-plus project between Britomart and Mt Eden via Albert St and Karangahape Rd, although a business case has yet to be made for funding.

Should electric trains be a priority for Auckland?