Auckland’s transport planning off the rails

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005

Auckland’s transport planning off the rails

Dropping the Avondale link to the North Western highway from the region’s 10 year land transport plan demonstrates that Auckland’s transport planning has gone off the rails, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

“The decision of the ARC’s Regional Land Transport Committee yesterday afternoon beggars belief,” said Alasdair Thompson, EMA’s chief executive.

“The transport package voted for by the transport committee gives away the SH20 Avondale link and replaces it with more rail and ferry services.

“They’re swapping a permanent network link, which buses as well as other vehicles urgently need, so people in our satellite centres like Kumeu and Pukekohe, can enjoy heavily subsidised rail fares into the city.

“It appears the funding of capital projects is to be spent on operational costs for subsidising the travel of a small minority.

“This is plain wrong.

“The Avondale link should be the top priority for both the Regional Land Transport Committee and for Transit.

“It’s critical for easing pressure on the central motorway junction and providing a second route north.

“The ARC has completely lost the plot on these network priorities.”

ENDS

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