Press Release
Monday 1st March 2010
>>> The Campaign for Better Transport

5,000 say YES to commuter rail!

On Saturday members of the Campaign for Better Transport had huge support for the much desired Hamilton to Auckland commuter trains.

“Waikato members of the CBT received over 2,000 signatures in support in just one day. That now brings the total number of petition supporters to over 5,000” Jon Reeves from the Campaign for Better Transport said.

The growing support from Waikato residents for commuter trains to Auckland is outstanding. In a recent survey undertaken by the Hamilton City Council over 80% of ratepayers support a rate increase to help fund the start up of the daily train services. “This support was warmly reflected in the positive responses our members received around the region on Saturday” Reeves said.

We have positive backing for the train services from Labour MP Sue Moroney. Unfortunately, both the local National MP’s David Bennett and Tim MacIndoe seem to be only committed to building more roads and have absolutely no desire to get the trains running as soon as possible, which is what people and businesses of Waikato are demanding loudly.

If the Government does not promptly ask the New Zealand Transport Agency and Environment Waikato to financially support commuter rail then this will definitely turn into a local body election issue. Many petition supporters spoken to on Saturday could not understand why local MP’s David Bennett and Tim MacIndoe and Environment Waikato do not want the trains to start immediately if the stations and railcars are available.
The Campaign for Better Transport will be in full force this month covering markets and shopping centres with the petition. The petition will be presented to Hamilton MP’s later in March

Unfortunately, the day was marred by the Hamilton City Council Parks management and hired security staff. They threatened to have CBT members removed from collecting petition signatures from a ratepayer owned park. “CBT had a stand at the Hamilton Gardens environment expo, we had some members walking around the park collecting signatures. The Hamilton City Council parks staff ordered them off the park and even told our members to stand in a car park which is a very dangerous and poorly thought out suggestion. A wine and food expo also in the park meant our members were enjoying huge support on the day. Given the Gardens are owned by all Hamilton ratepayers, and most ratepayers support our campaign, we thought the council staff would act reasonably to our presence in a public domain” Reeves said.

We had positive support from the Hamilton Transport Centre security staff, as they clearly understood the benefits to the region of commuter rail.
With over 5,000 signatures collected so far, nearly all from Hamilton and Waikato residents, that should be a warning signal to that those local Councillors and MP’s who are attempting to stonewall the return of commuter trains. It is in their best career interests to do what the region wants and have the return of Waikato Trains NOW!

About the Campaign For Better Transport:
The Campaign for Better Transport is a non politically aligned sustainable transport lobby which promotes better use of New Zealand’s transport assets which include roads, railways, shipping cycle ways and walkways.
The CBT has won every campaign to date which includes re-opening of the Onehunga railway line, which was closed in 1973. This line reopens in July 2010.

(ENDS)

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