Greens celebrate funding revolution for Canterbury public transport and cycleways

The Green Party has welcomed greater investment for Canterbury in clean, green transport choices like walking, cycling, and public transport.

“It is fantastic to see over $200 million earmarked for the Canterbury region for more investment in public transport, walking and cycling; and $127 million being put into buses and improving the public transport network,” Christchurch based Green MP, Eugenie Sage said today.

“Public transport in Christchurch and Timaru is long overdue for more investment to create a more effective and accessible bus network and services after a major decline in patronage post ‘quakes.

“People want to see more reliable, frequent bus services, so the boost in public transport funding is a great initiative.

“We’ve seen public transport become hugely popular in Auckland on the back of big changes and improvements. That needs to be replicated in Canterbury. Investigating how to further improve public transport can help grow the network and patronage.

“More and more people are cycling in Christchurch so the extra $28 million the Government is investing in a safe, separated cycle network is very welcome,” she said.

“Well done to Julie Anne Genter, the Green’s Associate Minister for Transport for her fantastic work on this with Labour and NZ First.”

Investment highlights (sourced from the NLTP 2018-21 Regional Factsheet):

$175 million for public transport, a 24 percent boost on the previous three years, to deliver more frequent and reliable buses.
Investigation of further improvements to the public transport network in Christchurch and Timaru.
$28 million to continue to expand the cycleway network in Christchurch.
$7 million for progressing An Accessible City programme to deliver on Christchurch’s aspirations of a cycle and pedestrian friendly city centre.

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