Green is for Go
Green Party transport solutions will make our communities safer and ensure you get where you need to go, however you choose to travel.
The Green Party's plan will deliver a 21st century transport network, safer neighbourhoods, cleaner air, and a smart economy, while saving everyone money.
We have developed costed transport plans that will achieve better outcomes and more liveable cities. We will cut spending on uneconomic motorways, reducing government debt, and freeing up funds to pay for:
- Smart rail projects people want, including a CBD rail loop for Auckland and light rail systems for Wellington and Christchurch;
- Better buses -- faster, cleaner, and more reliable buses with better integrated bus timetables and more frequent services in all cities;
- More cycle ways and wider footpaths to make cycling and walking safer and easier;
- More walking school buses and reduced speed limits around schools and busy pedestrian areas to keep our children safe;
- 50% discount for children, beneficiaries and students on public transport;
- An integrated ticket you can use on all bus, rail, and ferry services.
Wellington
The Green Party's vision for the Wellington region is to create a world class integrated transport network that is efficient, safe, and affordable for all of us.
Our plan builds on Wellington's strengths. Our region has compact, pedestrian-friendly city centres, and geography that limits urban sprawl. Many people already walk and cycle and Wellington's public transport use is the highest in New Zealand.
Our transport plan for Wellington will get you home faster by delivering:
More choice for travel in the face of higher petrol prices;
Fewer traffic jams;
Cleaner air and lower carbon emissions;
Healthier lifestyles and safer streets;
A thriving local economy;
Cheaper fares.
Background
Smart, green transport solutions are a priority for the Green Party. We negotiated the first ever national fund to support walking and cycling.
Here in Wellington, the Green Party saved Wellington's iconic trolley buses, and helped secure funding for new passenger trains for the region's rail services. We even saved the Overlander train service between Wellington and Auckland. But there is much more to do.
Wellington has a solid, basic transport infrastructure which could easily be upgraded into a first class transport network. Wellington's compact downtown is a huge advantage. Most of Wellington's employment, entertainment, and leisure facilities - and a growing amount of residential accommodation - are packed into one of the smallest central areas of any city in the world.
The Hutt and Porirua also have strong centres which form local hubs for their thriving communities. Our region's geography and infrastructure mean it should be easy to get around. But if we keep pouring more cars into our narrow streets, we will only create more congestion.
Antiquated transport policies have given us an ageing rail system, a dangerous environment for cycling, and congested roads. The current bias towards road spending is clearly unsustainable. Traffic volumes have plateaued whereas rail patronage is sky-rocketing. Nonetheless, the National Government want to spend billions on new motorways at the expense of all other forms of transport. Even local road maintenance budgets are being compromised by National's motorway obsession.
What will our plan cost?
We believe the best way to achieve the transport network Wellington needs is to introduce a more balanced approach to transport spending.
Right now, the Government is proposing to spend $20 billion on motorways over the next 10 years. For every $1 they spend on public transport, they will spend $5 on new motorways.
We would take a more balanced approach, spending $1 on public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure for every $1 we spend on roads.
Our solutions will reduce congestion boosting Wellington's vibrant economy, shifting $2.4 billion from uneconomic motorways into safer roads and better public transport, walking, and cycling.
By reprioritising the Roads of National Significance budget, we can help fund light rail for Wellington, better buses and trains, safer walking and cycling, and still save money.
Light Rail for Wellington
Light rail is ideal for Wellington's narrow corridors and already crowded streets. Light rail will provide an essential link between the northern suburbs, railway station, CBD, hospital, and airport.
One train can carry as many people as five buses, uses cleaner electricity, and generates very low emissions. Light rail is attractive, quiet, and offers ease of access with level boarding for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility vehicles.
We'll fund 60% of a modern light rail network for Wellington that will connect the region and reduce congestion.
Better Buses
We'll give you newer buses that are faster, cleaner, and more comfortable while ensuring that bus timetables and routes are well integrated with the trains. We'll invest over $100 million to improve the bus network over the next decade.
We'll introduce cheaper daily, weekly, and monthly passes, usable on all services along with a 50% concession for students, children, and beneficiaries.
Safer walking and cycling and more liveable communities
Wellingtonians deserve to get around their city safely by foot, bike, or car.
Wellington City is perfect for walking and nearly 50% of all trips within the city are on foot. The Green Party's vision is to make the region more liveable and people-friendly by promoting safer walkways and a strong cycling culture. Walking and cycling are clean and cheap, and help us live healthier lifestyles.
We'll make it safer to walk and cycle by providing 100% funding for walking and cycling projects in the Wellington region so projects like the Great Harbour Way can be finally completed.
We'll work with Council to reduce vehicle speeds close to shopping centres and schools and create more pedestrian-friendly areas.
To further promote cycling, we will:
- Complete our regional cycle network;
- Give local councils financial incentives to promote a 'cycling culture' in urban centres, including more secure cycle parks;
- Provide secure bicycle storage at train stations and make buses able to carry bikes, where practicable;
- Provide cycle phases on lights at key intersections.
