Auckland rail electrification another Green win
Auckland rail electrification another Green win
The Green Party is celebrating the introduction of
electric trains in Auckland today as a result of funding won
by the Greens in 2007 and calling for further enhancements
to Auckland’s rail network, Green Party transport
spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said today.
“These
new trains will keep Auckland moving for decades to come and
reduce pollution. These electric trains are the result of
funding secured by the Green Party from the previous Labour
Government in 2007,” said Ms Genter.
“The electric trains will be cleaner, quieter, more reliable, faster and be able to move more Aucklanders across the city – taking pressure off the roads.
“Aucklanders are already taking a million trips a month on the train and rail patronage is increasing at 10% annually. The new trains will boost patronage even further.
“The City Rail Link is the next essential step in creating a smart, green transport network that works for all Aucklanders. Construction of the City Rail Link could begin next year if National would stop blocking it.
“Following construction of the City Rail Link, we need to invest in rail links to the airport and to the North Shore. These projects will create a congestion-free network that will make moving around Auckland easier, help to de-clog the roads, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Compared to National’s multi-billion dollar duplicate motorways, investing in Auckland rail is cheap and cost-effective. The Greens wants smart, green transport and a thriving city; rail is at the heart of that vision,” said Ms Genter.
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