Press Release, July 1st 2011
Raumati Public Transport Action Group meeting with NZTA

Recently members of the Raumati Public Transport Action Group (RPTAG) met officials of NZTA to discuss the planned Expressway and parallel planning for the Raumati Railway Station and car park.

Under current proposals NZTA planned to take the car park space that Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) had allotted for Raumati Station parking. RPTAG spokesperson, Jeremy Rice asked how NZTA would compensate for taking their car park.

He stressed that their community did not accept any deferment of the station; it is in the Kapiti Coast and Greater Wellington councils’ future plans. The station could be built to the existing road connections. GWRC had promised to review planning for Raumati Station after the Waikanae line upgrading was completed.

The Expressway's route at the southern entrance will remove the area for Raumati parking. NZTA was asked how it planned to make good if it took the present carpark area owned by GWRC, big enough for 300 cars and 4 buses.

Mr Rice said, "It is not fair that this area for parking be taken without substantial promise of alternative parking facilities." The Raumati Public Transport Action Group was adamant that NZTA must consider this; it has proposed that NZTA, GWRC, KCDC and RPTAG form a joint working group to ensure inclusiveness, so the planning reflects the Raumati community’s needs.

The RPTAG's members had asked GWRC to include the priority of Raumati Station in their own submissions to NZTA on the Expressway design. The chair of GWRC's Transport and Access, Peter Glensor , confirmed by email their commitment to the Raumati Station, showing interest in a working group.

You can join Raumati Public Transport Action Group: http://www.raumatistation.com/

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