Generation Zero Collects 512 Submissions on Wellington Public Transport Spine

4 October 2013

512 people had their say about Wellington’s future public transport options using an online submission form created by youth climate change group Generation Zero, outnumbering the approximately 300 official submissions received by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

The online form contained tick boxes for people to choose which points of Generation Zero’s submission they agreed with, plus an area for any additional comments.

Generation Zero compiled the views of the 512 respondents into its official submission, including the 104 additional comments in full.

Spokesperson Paul Young said, “We’re stoked to have such large interest and support behind our submission and to have helped these people all have their say.”

The consultation by the Regional Council was to hear people’s views on options for a high quality public transport spine between Wellington Station, Newtown and Kilbirnie, and associated issues explored in the Public Transport Spine Study.

Generation Zero’s submission expressed strong support for developing a high capacity and high quality public transport corridor, urging rapid action to establish bus-only lanes and priority measures along the designated route.

The submission raised several criticisms of the Public Transport Spine Study and its treatment of the light rail and bus rapid transit options, urging the reconsideration of light rail on a single route via Constable St in Newtown which avoids the need for a $400 million tunnel.

“Either bus rapid transit or light rail will deliver big improvements in public transport for the benefit of all Wellingtonians,” said Generation Zero spokesperson Paul Young.

“But having analysed the study and other evidence, there are some big question marks over the bus rapid transit proposal, while the costs and benefits of light rail have been severely misrepresented.

“We’re concerned that this bus rapid transit option will struggle with capacity to deliver the substantial ridership growth sought in the Regional Land Transport Strategy. We think light rail on our proposed route offers an affordable, future-proofed solution with greater benefits.

“We look forward to the hearing stage to present our evidence and views to the committee.”

Generation Zero’s full 11-page submission with appendices can be viewed at http://www.generationzero.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Gen-Zero-PTSS-submission-ONLINE.pdf

About Generation Zero
An organisation of young New Zealanders promoting solutions to climate change through smart transport, liveable cities and independence from fossil fuels.
http://generationzero.org.nz
www.facebook.com/GenerationZero
https://twitter.com/GenerationZer0

ENDS

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