Headline: Reliable public transport must come first
Phil TwyfordIain Lees-Galloway |
Labour says it would be unfair to impose tolls on Aucklanders without a massive improvement in the public transport system.
“It would be unfair to roll out a toll scheme when Aucklanders who want to get to work on time have little option other than to drive,” says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.
Future funding options for Auckland’s transport infrastructure have been outlined in a report released today.
“The report reflects what every Aucklander knows — we must fix the gridlock,” Labour’s Transport spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway said.
“I applaud the report’s frank approach — doing nothing is not an option. The city must invest in a modern transport system or it will grind to a halt.”
“Gridlock is bad for Aucklanders, bad for the economy, and bad for New Zealand. But making Aucklanders pay tolls to use the city’s roads will hit hard-pressed workers in the pocket.
“Let’s get the public transport up to scratch first so at least people have the option of catching a bus, train or ferry to get to and from work.
“At the moment workers in West or South Auckland cannot rely on public transport. Instead commuters run cars at a huge cost. Adding more taxes or tolls on top of that, without a decent public transport alternative, would be unfair,” Phil Twyford said.
“Now that John Key has been dragged kicking and screaming to support the City Rail Link, he needs to take a fresh look at Auckland’s longer term transport priorities.
“While pledging $1.4 billion to the City Rail Link with one hand, he loaded another $8.5 billion on top for more motorways with the other. He needs to be transparent about the effects of his government’s transport priorities.
“Mayor Len Brown deserves kudos for the Consensus Building Group’s work. He has shown that not only can Auckland speak with one voice, but if the right people sit around the table they can hammer out a consensus,” Iain Lees-Galloway said.
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