Media release from Lyndy McIntyre,
Candidate for Raumati/Paekakariki Ward in 2007 KCDC elections

Rail Funding A Huge Step Forwards - But Let's Do The Job Properly

"Today's confirmation of $200 million funding for Wellington region's worn out rail service is a huge step forward," Lyndy McIntyre, council candidate for the Raumati/Paekakariki ward today.

"All the items on the list for the Kapiti Line - like fixing up the tracks and signalling and a long-awaited station for Raumati commuters - need to be done yesterday."

But Lyndy McIntyre said the $80million tagged to fix the goat track between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki will only fund a half hearted job.

"Greater Wellington regional council have put a price tag of over $300 million for this in their draft strategy. Surely it is a waste to spend $80million now when the job will eventually need to be done properly."

Lyndy Mcintyre said the campaign to secure funding for the Kapiti line was not over.

"More money is needed to ensure capacity. The 70 carriages GWRC keeps telling us are going to be ordered soon will simply not be enough. Let's not leave it until they are as overcrowded as our current fleet to find we need to order more."

Lyndy McIntyre said with the proposed work covered by the $200m the Kapiti line was starting to look like it could be the fast and efficient service it should be.

"But that is no reason to put up fares," she said.

"All this funding is for deferred maintenance and future improvements. Today's commuters should not be charged for tomorrow's service."

ENDS

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