The Green Party's new Auckland transport policy to get Auckland moving will be unveiled in a 1pm launch outside the Britomart transport centre today.
Connecting Auckland through a triple-loop rapid transit system that links all suburbs with the central city is a centre piece of the policy. An electric rail loop through the city's central isthmus would connect - at Britomart, Panmure, Otahuhu, Onehunga, Avondale - to a south east loop to the airport, Manukau City, Botany and Pakuranga and a north west loop to the northern busway, connecting to west Auckland through the upper harbour highway and Westgate.
"Our vision is a connecting network of trains, buses and ferries that can carry people quickly and cheaply around the city," Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.
"Our mix of common sense solutions will make Auckland lighter on its feet and let residents enjoy getting around this beautiful city rather than being stuck in traffic.
"We'll streamline public transport, with services every 10 minutes in peak hours, and $1 fares during off peak times, create a single electronic ticket passengers can use on all buses, trains and ferries, and give public transport, walking and cycling priority funding ahead of new motorways.
"Over time this can all be funded with no more taxes or rates by shifting investment out of new motorways and into these better solutions.
"Trains, buses and cycles are more environmentally friendly than cars. Much of Auckland's pollution comes from having too many cars on the roads."
Ms Fitzsimons is so confident the policy holds the answers to Auckland's transport woes that she has issued a public challenge to Helen Clark and John Key.
"I challenge Helen Clark and John Key to a debate with me on Auckland public transport. Getting Auckland moving is vital to the entire New Zealand economy. Aucklanders desperately need faster, more reliable public transport services and I am sure our Green solutions will deliver."
"Efficient, affordable and reliable public transport is what Aucklanders want and deserve. Our plan will reduce traffic congestion, saves you money on petrol, protects the economy against rising oil prices and reduces Auckland's greenhouse emissions."
* The Auckland transport policy is attached, also available at: http://www.greens.org.nz/transport/auckland/plan
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