Shelve Waterview Motorway - Build Better PT
October 23rd, 2008
The Green Party is pushing for any future Govt to shelve the $1.9bn Waterview motorway tunnel and instead divert the money to expanding the Auckland’s rail network. Co-Leader, Jeanette Fitzsimons, is signalling the party will push strongly for full state funding of future public transport projects notably the central Auckland rail loop. Also on the Greens wish list is creating an outer isthmus rail loop by running a line between Onehunga and Avondale, as well as an extension of the Northern Busway to Waitakere via the Upper Waitemata and a rapid bus circuit through Manukau City’s eastern suburbs back to Panmure.
More Efficient Option. She believes focusing on the rail network and other public transport improvements is a much better use of the money. “That [Britomart] connection would move far more people than that motorway tunnel will, and it frees up the whole rail system for Auckland. If Auckland at the moment wants to build a Britomart loop, they’ve got to pay for it themselves - that’s the big thing that will change.” Fitzsimons also took aim at the existing funding regime where motorways are funded fully by the Govt, but Aucklanders will having to pay for rail electrification through a regional fuel tax.
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