Following the release of the preferred Let’s Get Wellington Moving plan, the Government needs to quit stalling and be upfront with Wellingtonians about what funding they will commit to our transport system, Wellington based MPs Brett Hudson, Christopher Bishop and Nicola Willis say.

“We understand that the Minister of Transport is currently considering a multi-billion dollar proposal to upgrade Wellington’s transport network from the ‘Let’s Get Wellington Moving” working group,” Mr Hudson says.

“We support moves to get the Wellington region moving again but urge the Minister and Wellington City Council to ensure that any new plan does not result in additional fuel hikes for the Wellington region.

“Wellington motorists need assurances that the plan isn’t predicated on the new option of regional fuel taxes and increases to national fuel taxes that would see up to 25 cents added to the cost of a litre of petrol.”

MP for Hutt South, Chris Bishop says the previous National Government was committed to transport funding across the region without needing to increase cost on motorists.

“This can be shown by our investment in major projects like Transmission Gully, funding improvements to our rail network and committing to upgrading the Melling interchange.”

Ms Willis says National’s record shows that, if managed well, the dividends of a growing and successful economy can be invested in a way that does not require new taxes to fund transport infrastructure.

“On the campaign trail, Wellington Central MP and Finance Minister Grant Robertson ruled out regional fuel taxes for Wellington. He needs to stick to his word,” says Ms Willis.

“It is good to see that the plans focus on key congestion points around the Basin Reserve and we are supportive of moves to explore an advanced bus network over an overly expensive light rail option,” Mr Finlayson says.

“The Minister must act urgently to begin work across our region to ease congestion and to ensure that our region remains one of the most liveable in the world.”

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