RAM Letter Calling For Free Buses Trial Passed To ARTA Chief Executive

25 RAM supporters turned out today to see the chief executive of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Fergus Gammie, receive RAM's Open Letter calling for a large-scale free buses trial as a positive alternative to recent fare hikes on buses and trains in Greater Auckland.

The Open Letter was passed over by Robyn Hughes, RAM councillor on the Auckland Regional Council. The ARTA chief executive promised to give serious consideration to RAM's request for a free buses trial.

Mr Gammie answered questions from the RAM team on the footpath. He said that, at present, lack of funding prevents ARTA from undertaking many of the public transit projects it would like to do.

In response, RAM organiser Grant Morgan said this pointed to the key problem being the lack of political will to transform Greater Auckland into a public transit region. RAM will be standing in this October's local body elections, he said, to provide the political drive needed for a fundamental shift of state funds from motorways to buses and trains.

Afterwards, the RAM team marched downtown to the Britomart to hand out petitions and leaflets advocating free and frequent public transport. The response from passers-by was overwhelmingly positive.

ENDS

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