CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER TRANSPORT INC
MEDIA RELEASE: 13 March 2006

The Campaign for Better Transport welcomed today's announcement that passenger services will be restored to Auckland's Onehunga railway line.

Spokesperson Cameron Pitches found the unexpected announcement from the Government "almost unbelievable".

"Over a year ago we organised a petition that collected over 8,000 signatures, but we were starting to think that may not have been enough."

The petition was initially rejected by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, but ARC Chair Mike Lee presented the petition to local MP Mark Gosche and it was subsequently tabled at the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee in Wellington a fortnight ago.

Petition organiser and Onehunga local Garth Houltham was on "cloud nine."

"I just want to thank the Onehunga residents and businesses for the enormous support we've had. It has made all the difference."

The Campaign for Better Transport has its regular monthly meeting scheduled for tomorrow night (Wednesday).

"I've offered to bring the champagne, so I'm not sure how far through the agenda we are going to get," adds Mr Pitches.

ENDS

For further information:

Government Press Release:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00234.htm

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