22 October 2008

Greens Launch Wellington Transport Strategy

The Green Party announced their Transport Strategy for Wellington today, which is designed to eliminate congestion in Wellington, make public transport affordable, and reduce our carbon emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.

"Wellington desperately needs more trains, more buses, and better public transport. The Green Party has laid out an affordable plan for this to happen," Wellington Transport Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"We will double central Government funding available for public transport infrastructure so that ratepayers and public transport users aren't unfairly burdened with the costs of expanding services. Currently, the Government spends only 20 cents on public transport for every $1 it spends on roads.

"This is the time to be investing in sustaining infrastructure. We will complete our rail network, which currently ends on the outskirts of Wellington's CBD, and build a light rail network from Johnsonville and the Hutt through to the airport. It will run on clean, renewable electric power and cost less than half the amount of Transmission Gully.

"We will make Wellington more people-friendly and liveable by promoting safer walkways and cycling and. funding the Great Harbourway, a walking and cycling trail stretching right the way around our harbour. We will complete our regional cycle network.

"Trains and buses at peak hour are currently crammed full, while off peak services are relatively empty. The Green Party will introduce $1 off peak fares to encourage people to travel during off peak hours," Ms Kedgley says.

ENDS

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