PPPs not a solution for better buses and trains

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are not the way to get better buses and trains, or better value for money from transport, said the Green Party today.

“If the Government wanted to get better value for money it would invest more money into public transport, walking and cycling, instead of wasting billions of dollars on a few excessively expensive motorway projects,” said Green Party Transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

The Government announced its new Public Transport Operating Model today. The model focuses on commercialising services.

“Trying to introduce competition in the transport sector, which is a network and a natural monopoly, is pointless and counterproductive.

“This Government is basically following the failed model of PPPs that the UK is now moving away from.

“The public is crying out for better buses and trains that gets them where they want to go – this is what the Government should focus on.

“At the moment, it’s essentially against the law to plan an integrated public transport network in New Zealand.

“If the Government actually wanted to deliver a better transport outcome, it would give regional councils the power to plan and deliver an integrated public transport network, and it would spend more money on cost effective projects like walking and cycling.

“The Green Party has the most fiscally and economically responsible transport plan, and we’d be happy to offer advice to the Government who seem to be ideologically immune to a smart transport plan,” said Ms Genter.

The Government’s Public Transport Operating Model can be found at http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/Land/PTOM/

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