30 April 2008

Aucklanders deserve a decent public transport system

Auckland Green MP Sue Bradford says the Green Party is concerned about news that National Party Transport Spokesman Maurice Williamson says they oppose the regional fuel tax.

The Green Party is right behind the Auckland fuel tax as long as it goes to electrification of Auckland's rail network, not to build more motorways.

The Greens believe all of the proposed Auckland Regional Council fuel tax of up to 10 cents a litre - planned from next January - should go towards public transport projects, and ensuring that Auckland's rail system is electrified as soon as possible, Ms Bradford says.

"While we know that fuel taxes have a disproportionate effect on low income workers and beneficiaries, the Greens believe that problem should be addressed by lifting wage and benefit levels - not by stopping the electrification of rail.

"Before long many ordinary Aucklanders won't be able to afford to run cars for work, study and recreation because the price of petrol is going through the roof.

There is news today that oil could rise to US$200 a barrel and I believe Kiwi motorists will be paying prices of petrol of $3 a litre before we know it," Ms Bradford says.

"So it's critical that political parties and Auckland's local authorities support all measures to improve our bus, rail and ferry transport.

"If the National Party has other ideas about how to quickly electrify Auckland's rail and carry out other public transport improvements the Green Party would certainly be keen to talk to them on the details."

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