Labour’s 21st century transport pledge

The next Labour-led Government will create a 21st century transport system for New Zealand that promotes the most efficient and sustainable combination of transport options, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Phil Twyford.

“Labour will rebalance the Government's transport spending away from the low-value projects that the Government has chosen for political reasons towards investments that will best improve growth, reduce congestion, and move our transport system on to a more sustainable footing.

“That means reviewing and delaying some of National's low-value urban motorway projects to free up funds for upgrades to rail, coastal shipping, public transport, regional and local roads, safety, and cycling.

“We are going to give regional New Zealand a break by putting more money into local roads, and regional state highway projects – both of which have been starved of funds under National. We are also going to give communities back their voice so they can identify their local priority projects.

“Instead of focusing on only roads, Labour will invest intelligently in roads, rail, coastal shipping and ports to deliver the most efficient and sustainable way to move freight around the country.

“In the major cities public transport will no longer be an optional nice to have. We will invest in 21st century integrated public transport systems. A city of any scale cannot be efficient or liveable without one. In Auckland this will start with the City Rail Link which we will have up and running by about the time the digging will start under National’s plan.

“Labour in government will sit down with Auckland Council and negotiate a 30 year transport plan for the city, with funding agreed. Our starting point will be the Congestion Free Network. The city’s motorway network is more or less complete, and now it is time to invest in a modern public transport network,” Phil Twyford said.

Ends

© Scoop Media