An online petition for a rail system linking Auckland's CBD to its southeastern suburbs has garnered almost 3000 signatures.
There's been a groundswell of support on social media to bring rail to Botany Downs, and the petition will be handed to Auckland Mayor Len Brown today.
Organiser Nicholas Meyer says traffic chaos is making the existing bus network too slow.
"I originally had the Facebook page and that was set up about six months prior, last year, but then I decided to start a more official petition," says Mr Meyer.
"The petition absolutely exploded beyond just what was on the page. People were sharing it and it's gone crazy."
Mr Meyer says it's a no-brainer.
"What can't we extend the rail network out to Botany Downs given the population growth that's happening in the area? It would make a lot of sense, especially given the traffic issues that do slow down the buses so majorly.
"Instead of building buses, we should be building rail and that's just because of all the growth and the population and the traffic. Every day I notice it's getting worse. There's lots of chaos on the roads."
Hundreds of east Auckland residents have expressed their support on Facebook, and many are saying it's well overdue.
A map of the existing train network (Auckland Transport)
Newshub.
