Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

All Auckland transport options should be considered

29 October 2014

All Auckland transport options should be considered

All options for meeting Auckland’s transport needs should be considered, including reprioritising the transport budget away from wasteful spending on motorways, the Green Party said today.

Auckland mayor Len Brown is today releasing a transport report by the Independent Advisory Board, which outlines funding options including an increase in rates and fuel taxes and/or road tolls.

“Aucklanders should have the debate about transport funding - but all options should be on the table, including fewer expensive roading projects,” Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said.

“We are supportive of Aucklanders having an open debate about funding, but the debate should not be restricted to funding. What gets funded should also be on the table.

“Aucklanders have the option of meeting the city’s transport needs without rate hikes, regional fuel taxes, road tolls or congestion charges.

“The cost of implementing Auckland’s Congestion Free Network by 2030 is estimated at around $10 billion, which is 40 percent less than Auckland’s Integrated Transport Programme proposes to spend on new transport projects over that same time period.

“Motorway tolls and rate rises would not be necessary if both Auckland and central government made the Congestion Free Network the priority - this hasn't been presented as an option.

“Huge patronage growth in public transport means Auckland desperately needs investment in rail and improved bus services now.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“When more people can take buses and trains, and walk and cycle safely, existing roads work better.

“The latest Auckland Transport data show Aucklanders are flocking to public transport.

“Total public transport use in September soared 13.4 percent on September 2013 while rail boardings lifted 21 percent. There were nearly 12 million Auckland rail boardings in the year to September.

“Auckland deserves a balanced transport system. They should have the option to prioritise better train and bus services,” Ms Genter said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.