Phil Twyford
Auckland Issues Spokesperson

28 June 2013

National finally gets on-board with Auckland transport plan

John Key and National have finally bowed to the inevitable, by effectively re-announcing Len Brown’s Auckland Plan, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson, Phil Twyford.

“National has been in denial for years about the need to get serious about an integrated plan for the future of Auckland’s transport system. The need for the City Rail Link, the East West Link and ultimately a second harbour crossing has long been obvious to Aucklanders.

“The Auckland Plan has been around for years, everyone supports it – and now at last John Key has come to the party.

“Coming on the back of National's U-turn on the City Rail Link, this week has been a huge win for the popular Labour Mayor Len Brown. He deserves big credit for finally dragging National over the line.

“But there are still big questions that remain unanswered around timing and funding.

“The Prime Ministers is talking about a ten billion dollar commitment to three projects but in his speech he was completely silent about how he is going to pay for them. Where on earth is the money coming from?

“He wants to speed up AMETI and the East West Link. Fair enough - but Labour also thinks the City Rail Link should be fast-tracked too. If work started now it could be in service by the time John Key plans to get his shovel out in 2020.

“This is the National-led Government playing catch up. They have antagonised and ignored Auckland. They have spent the last three years undermining the Auckland super-city that they set up, and its mayor, Len Brown.

“Now they have finally woken up to Auckland. Well, better late than never I suppose. It’s just a shame their neglect and inaction has held the city back for so long,” says Phil Twyford.

ENDS

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