25 July 2006

Overlander decision may be reversed when peak oil bites

The Government must ensure that Toll does not dismantle the infrastructure that would allow the Overlander service to be reinstated when the effects of the end of cheap oil really start to bite, the Green Party says.

Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says she is disappointed at the decision to ditch the passenger rail service between Auckland and Wellington.

"This is clearly the result of competition from cheap off-peak airfares, but that situation certainly will not last.

"I predict that as oil prices continue to rise further we will need the Overlander again.

"The Government has agreed with Toll that the service could no longer be justified, and now it should also ensure that Toll retains that infrastructure so that the Overlander can be reinstated when it is needed again," Ms Fitzsimons says.

"If we are to ensure that New Zealand is future-proofed, we can not afford to lose these integral parts of our public transport network forever."

ENDS

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