Lobby group urges rethink on NZ's 'most expensive road' | Ryan Bridge TODAY

Lobby group urges rethink on NZ's 'most expensive road'  | Ryan Bridge TODAY <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":0,"label":"Introduction to the Road Project","summary":"A lobby group is urging the government to reconsider the Northern Motorway project in Auckland, calling it a waste of public money."},{"timeSeconds":13,"label":"Project Cost and Concerns","summary":"The 26-kilometer stretch from Warkworth to Te Hana is estimated to cost $12 billion over the next decade."},{"timeSeconds":24,"label":"Expert Opinion on Cost-Benefit","summary":"Connor Sharp from Greater Auckland states that the benefit-cost ratio for the project is 0.7, meaning for every dollar spent, only 70 cents are returned."},{"timeSeconds":56,"label":"Doubled Costs and Diminishing Returns","summary":"The project's cost has doubled since initial estimates, and the benefits are not keeping pace. This raises questions about its viability."},{"timeSeconds":107,"label":"Lack of Transparency","summary":"The NZTA has not disclosed the exact cost of the project, citing ongoing negotiations with the private sector. This lack of transparency is a concern."},{"timeSeconds":133,"label":"Alternative Approaches Suggested","summary":"The lobby group suggests a more transparent and scaled-back approach to infrastructure projects, potentially using alternative methods to the current PPP model."},{"timeSeconds":205,"label":"Questioning the $12 Billion Figure","summary":"The group questions how the $12 billion figure was reached, given the project's benefit-cost ratio is below one and it doesn't extend to Northland."},{"timeSeconds":340,"label":"Toll Revenue vs. Project Cost","summary":"The lobby group argues that tolls would only cover a fraction of the project's cost over its lifespan, suggesting a need for a more cost-effective solution."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->