The Future Is Rail strongly opposes the recommendation by the Ministerial Advisory Group that KiwiRail cease operating the Interisland ferries. Our rail network is not just a mode of transportation; it is the lifeblood connecting New Zealand’s two main islands.
Spokesperson Dr Paul Callister says public ownership matters. “The Interislander ferry, akin to a state highway, should remain in public ownership. We would never question the national state highway network’s public ownership, it’s equally ridiculous to consider privatising this vital connection between the North and South Island.”
The Interislander ferry bridges our road and rail networks. It unites the halves of our state highway and national rail systems, making it a critical link for everyday Kiwis and international visitors alike.
Dr Paul Callister says the coalition government’s abandonment of rail capable ferries, alongside the Ministerial Advisory Group’s recommendation to carve ferries away from KiwiRail should make all New Zealanders worried. Especially when coupled with concerns about the government’s general long term commitment for rail.
The abandonment of rail-capable ferries jeopardises our long-term connectivity. These vessels were essential for efficient transport of goods and passengers across the Cook Strait. Without them, we risk a monopoly by an overseas-owned private provider, potentially compromising affordability and accessibility.
“The loss of rail connectivity between our islands will have far-reaching consequences. More trucks on our roads mean increased wear and tear, leading to potholes and reduced driving quality. Additionally, pollution from increased road traffic undermines our commitment to meeting carbon emission targets,” says Callister.
A resilient transport network is more than just roads, it also relies on a well-funded national rail network including fit-for-purpose ferries. We encourage the government to recommit to rail-capable ferries operated by KiwiRail.
Dr Callister added “we also need to provide rail and ferry users with a voice in these decisions. The Ministerial Advisory Group’s composition lacks representation from the rail sector or the ferry’s actual users. Aviation and roading sector players dominate, for us, that raises concerns about conflicts of interest.”
All I can see is Willis hiding under the bed and the cost blowing out to 10 billion because they will need at least 3 ferries as 2 of the same size we now have will not be enough as we already run 3 .A fourth or fifth will need to be added to cope with the huge growth these tossers dream of.
Where is Willis have not seen her for a week ,maybe she is diving in the cook straight trying to recover that billion she tossed in their .
Blueridge have had no problems that I am aware of whereas Kiwirail is just one disaster after another something needs to change.
blue bridge does not have to deal with fucked up people that think they are big time merger and aquisition world champions when in fact they are soap sellers .The PM with all his so called skill completly fucked the engineering side of Air NZ WHICH WAS RESPECTED WORLD WIDE and had contracts with numerous other airlines .Then he lost millions trying to take over virgin aus because he had a high oppinion of him self and they said fuck off sony boy so he had to come home and pretend he wanted to be a PM .Then he threw nearly a billion in the harbour which would have paid for the two new ferries that were started .
blue bridge does not have to deal with fucked up people that think they are big time merger and aquisition world champions when in fact they are soap sellers .The PM with all his so called skill completly fucked the engineering side of Air NZ WHICH WAS RESPECTED WORLD WIDE and had contracts with numerous other airlines .Then he lost millions trying to take over virgin aus because he had a high oppinion of him self and they said fuck off sony boy so he had to come home and pretend he wanted to be a PM .Then he threw nearly a billion in the harbour which would have paid for the two new ferries that were started .
Regarding Bluebridge comment above.
1. It has also had problems including breakdowns and accidents, including recent examples where it lost power at sea and another when it crashed into a wharf.
2. Bluebridge can’t take trains. If we relied only on Bluebridge, there would be no national rail network. All freight would end up on trucks.
3. Bluebridge is owned by a Wall St equity firm focused on extracting value rather than providing an essential service for the country.
Even Richard Prebble says that just relying on non-rail capable ferries like Bluebridge would be crazy. If you think they are the solution, then I’d suggest you need to do a bit more research on the issue.
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