Electric Trains In Doubt Due To Funding Problems
June 19th, 2008
Auckland’s commuter rail services may end up with electrified lines but no trains to operate on them as uncertainty looms as to how the trains will be financed. Doubts over new fuel-tax legislation are forcing Auckland Regional Council to face up to the possibility of not having the funds to buy the fleet of trains. Last week the Council reluctantly approved an annual transport budget with no allowance for the Auckland Regional Transport Authority to order a fleet of 35 electric trains for $495m by the end of this year. Although the Council still hopes the Land Transport Management Bill will be passed in time to allow an early request for bids from international rail suppliers, ARC CEO, Peter Winder, says it has to “cut its cloth” against the possibility of not being able to reap revenue through a fuel tax.
Wellington Bias. ARC Chairman Mike Lee says the trains need to be given greater priority by policymakers in Wellington. “The people of Auckland will not tolerate Wellington having a brand new fleet of electric trains paid for about 80% by the Govt, and Auckland having to make do with do-up diesels.” However, despite the growing anger in Auckland, Transport Minister Annette King is not prepared to give any reassurances over the legislation nor offer any other financial help to purchase the trains.
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