Locke Supports Electrification Of West Auckland Rail Line

Auckland Green MP and Associate Transport Spokesperson, Keith Locke, today welcomed the new public transport plan for Auckland, and called on the Government to ensure that Transfund adequately supported the scheme.

"The plan for an integrated passenger transport system incorporating heavy rail, light rail and busways is a significant step forward for Auckland. The Auckland local bodies have worked long and hard to achieve a consensus on this issue and we welcome this integrated plan," he said.

Mr Locke also praised the decision to electrify the western line.

"Replacing diesel trains with electric units will improve air quality in Auckland and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with New Zealand's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol," he said.

"Now is the time for the Government and Transfund to step forward to cover any funding shortfall in the proposed scheme. In addition, the Government needs to finalize negotiations with TranzRail so that new rolling stock can be ordered to run on the lines once they are taken back into public ownership."

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