CRL funding step in right direction, but delays will cost Aucklanders

Thursday 26 June 2013

The Government’s support for the City Rail Link is a step in the right direction but delays will mean relief from traffic congestion and carbon pollution will be put off till 2025, costing Aucklanders, says youth climate organisation Generation Zero.

Dr Sudhvir Singh, spokesperson for Generation Zero “In light of overwhelming support from the general public, it is fantastic that there is now political consensus on the need for the City Rail Link to relieve traffic congestion, reduce carbon pollution and help move Auckland beyond fossil fuels"

Minister of Transport, Gerry Brownlee has confirmed today that the Government will now part fund the City Rail Link for construction to start in 2020, with the prospect of opening in 2025, with a full announcement to be made on Friday.

Dr Singh: “Whilst the turn around in the Government’s position is welcome, their plan to delay opening till 2025, is a delay Auckland can not afford,”

The issue is now around timing as Auckland Council have been moving ahead with land allocation with the prospect of the City Rail Link opening in 2020.

Dr Singh “The government is telling Aucklanders that spending billions of dollars on uneconomic motorways, such as the $2 billion Puhoi to Wellsford ‘holiday highway’ is more urgent than the City Rail Link, a project that will unlock the entire region's transport system for everyday users by allowing five minute train frequencies and the potential for new rail lines to the Airport, Mt Roskill and the North Shore.”

“Now that the Government has seen the light on the essential need for the City Rail Link, we hope it’s just a matter of time before they recognise its urgency too” said Dr Singh

ENDS

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