Denis O’Rourke MP
Spokesperson for Transport
27 JANUARY 2016

Government Admits Public Transport Failure

The government deserves no credit for ditching its absurd 2020 timetable for financially supporting the Auckland City Rail Link, says New Zealand First.

“The government’s position of delaying financial support to 2020 never made sense – in fact it was patently irresponsible. This change of heart shows John Key is worried about shoring up support, so he’s throwing money at our biggest city,” says New Zealand First Transport Spokesperson Denis O’Rourke.

“In an ideal world the extra capacity that the CRL will provide for Britomart and the Auckland rail network would be available now. Rail patronage is soaring and Auckland commuter trains are already packed at peak times.

“Given the urgent need for the CRL it is no wonder that Auckland City has already started work on the project. Having allowed Auckland’s population to surge through mass immigration the government has shown total incompetence in its handling of critical public transport needs in Auckland.

“What Aucklanders really want is an Airport Rail Link. This will benefit more people than the CRL and ease tragic congestion by moving people off roads and onto the rail network.

“New Zealand First calls on the government to ditch its blinkered, ideological approach to transport investment and commit to an integrated transport policy that meets New Zealand’s needs,” says Mr O’Rourke.

ENDS

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