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Govt must pay attention to public over transport priorities
Monday, 25 February 2013, 11:46 am
Press Release: Green Party
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25 February 2013
Govt must pay attention to
public over transport priorities
The National
Government is completely out of step with public opinion
when it comes to its transport priorities, Green Party
transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said
today.
According to a recent poll of 750 New Zealanders by
UMR Research support for spending on public transport has
almost doubled over the last 20 years.
“Over the next
decade, the Government plans to spend less than five percent
of new capital expenditure on public transport
infrastructure, while wasting 75 percent of that spend ($12
billion) on low value motorways,” said Ms Genter.
“The
public understands that New Zealand needs to shift spending
away from redundant motorway projects - and catch up with
the rest of the world with reliable, fast buses and
trains.
"Demand for trains and buses is at record highs,
while traffic volumes on state highways haven't increased
for seven years.
"This is an opportunity to invest for the
future, but the Government needs to change its priorities
now, in order to meet the needs and preferences of the 21st
century.
“Smart, green transport reduces our petrol
bills, improves our health, and means more vibrant towns and
cities that Kiwis want.
“Acting now will protect the New
Zealand economy and the taxpayer from high oil prices and an
unstable global economy,” Ms Genter said.
“The
Government needs to get its head out of the 1950s and start
listening to the public when it comes to public
transport.”
© Scoop Media

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