27 April 2016
National should let KiwiRail compete for funding from the enormous roading budget and scrap the two-tiered funding system which grossly favour costly highway projects, the Green Party said today.
The comments come following a report by KiwiRail showing it considered shutting down its entire freight business to meet the Government’s requirements to deliver a short-term profit.
“The $3 billion a year in National’s transport budget should be opened-up to be invested in rail, not just roads," said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.
“National's current system grossly favours investment in a few expensive motorways, and under-invests in New Zealand's rail system.
“The Government should be funding whatever transport project offers the best solution for shifting freight, reducing climate pollution, and making our roads safer – be that better rail or better roads.
“KiwiRail should not be forced to operate as a commercial enterprise, while National spends over two billion dollars a year on a few expensive highways with no demand for them to return a profit.
“The rail network removes over a million truck trips from our road each year, which means less congestion, less pollution, and safer roads. Not investing in rail is not an option," said Ms Genter.
Latest Transport Announcements
Story
Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
Story
Greens launch petition against speed limit increases
Story
Govt takes transport system further down dead end road
Story
Aratere grounding highlights urgent need for replacement ships
Story
Risks far outweigh rewards in speed limit increases
Story