Megan
WOODS
MP for Wigram
Christchurch Transport Issues Spokesperson

15 November 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT
Transport plan a huge opportunity

New transport plans for Christchurch offer a once in a life-time opportunity to design a city that would be the envy of others, Labour's spokesperson on Christchurch Transport Issues and Wigram MP, Megan Woods says.

"Getting our transport plan right is not a ‘nice to have’, it is fundamental to us creating the best city we can. It is not just about cars, and taxis, and pedestrians. It is about our social, economic and community recovery.

"But above all else it has to be a network for people. We cannot have false divides between the central city and the suburbs, so any final plan needs to be an integrated one.

“While the draft proposal looks good on first reading – providing dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian-only space is in line with the most user-friendly European cities – it needs to be carefully considered.

“People, for instance, may have reservations about the proposed mega-transit hub and the quite drastic reduction in the number of routes available to buses coming in from the suburbs.

“Another concern is the time-frame. Can we really afford to take a ‘couple of decades’ to see the plan become a reality?

“What we need to do right now, however, is ensure we are getting to mix of transport options right from the get-go and that they fit with the economic development vision for the recreated Christchurch.

“These and other questions need to be wrestled with and the consultation period is the time to do just that. I would urge everyone with any interest whatsoever in the future of their city to make a submission,” said Megan Woods.

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