Fri, 04 Feb 2005

RAM media release 4.2.05

Manukau council supports RAM's free buses petition

Yesterday evening, Manukau City Council's Transport Committee passed a resolution urging the Auckland Regional Transport Authority to give "serious consideration" to the free buses petition being circulated by RAM - Residents Action Movement.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis told the Transport Committee: "There's an enormous amount of merit in the principle of the introduction of free bus services in Auckland."

Sir Barry said that "RAM's petition needs to be supported by this council". He recommended that ARTA "consider the petition" and undertake "studies" of the impact of free buses.

"All councils need to be giving the petition support in principle," said Sir Barry.

Cr. Colleen Brown moved a motion supporting RAM's petition going to ARTA for serious consideration, especially in relation to free bus services for students and pensioners. It was passed by 8 to 2 in the MCC Transport Committee.

In favour: Mayor Sir Barry Curtis, Transport Committee chair Alf Filipaina, Transport Committee vice-chair Peter Kelly, and councillors Arthur Anae, Colleen Brown, Noel Burnside, David Collings and John Walker.

Against: Councillors Dick Quax and Jami-Lee Ross.

"RAM sees the support of Manukau council for our free buses petition as an important step towards solving Auckland's traffic gridlock," said petition organiser Grant Morgan. "It's a victory for good sense."

"Now it's up to ARTA to undertake the serious trials of free buses that Sir Barry is calling for," said Grant Morgan.

ARC councillor Robyn Hughes, who is sponsoring RAM's petition, said: "Sir Barry and the Manukau council are showing a bold and realistic vision that can make all the difference in getting Auckland moving."

ENDS

© Scoop Media