10 February 2014

Govt leaves Auckland waiting for the train

The Green Party is challenging the Government to commit to funding Auckland’s City Rail Link to start in 2016 rather than wait for two more election cycles.

The Green Party supports the Auckland City Council’s proposal to start the City Rail Link project on time in 2016, saving Auckland $100 million a year in higher construction costs and getting Auckland moving again sooner.

“The National Government's plan is to wait for congestion to reach a critical point before starting the City Rail Link,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter today.

“National is proposing to wait two more elections before committing to build the most critical missing piece of Auckland’s transport infrastructure.

“The City Rail Link should be a priority for Government transport funding; the link is the most effective way to reduce congestion and transport costs, lower emissions, and develop Auckland into a vibrant, greener city.

“The City Rail Link will more than double the productivity of rail in the area and carry the equivalent of 12 motorway lanes of traffic into and around the city.

“By building the City Rail Link on time, we not only save half-a-billion dollars, we also provide certainty for businesses who are looking to invest and save Aucklanders up to half-an-hour on their journeys across the city.

“If the National Government's commitment to the City Rail Link was real, and not just a hollow, unfunded promise, it should commit to a 2016 start date. If they can’t, the Green Party will,” Ms Genter said.

ENDS

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