Transport alternatives needed or congestion charge unfair

The Government needs to urgently ramp-up investment in Auckland's bus and rail network before it slaps a charge on Aucklanders travelling on congested motorways, the Green Party said today.

The Government needs to urgently ramp-up investment in Auckland's bus and rail network before it slaps a charge on Aucklanders travelling on congested motorways, the Green Party said today.

 

Transport Minister Simon Bridges yesterday announced a U-turn on congestion charging in Auckland, saying a charge for road use was possible within the next decade despite having previously said he was "very sceptical" of the idea.

 

“Congestion charges can work, but Aucklanders first need viable public transport alternatives," said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

 

“Without faster, more frequent bus and train services, people living on the outskirts of Auckland and those on low incomes will find it more expensive and harder to get to work in the city.

 

“In places like London and Stockholm where congestion charging has been successful they have much better bus and train services, which means people can choose an alternative to driving and paying.

 

"The Government is clearly starting to wake up to the fact that its strategy of building more expensive motorways is not solving congestion, but the best alternative is to provide people with the option of taking the train or bus, or biking to work.

 

“Right now the Government is talking about building a car-only second harbour crossing at the same time its proposing to charge people more to drive. Aucklanders want alternatives to driving to work, and that means we need to be building rail to the North Shore.

 

“Auckland is currently unable to use the National Transport Fund to invest in rail. When we are in government we will ensure Auckland can invest in whatever transport option provides the quickest, cheapest and cleanest way for people to move about the city,” said Mr Shaw.

Latest Transport Announcements

Story

Raising speed limits on undivided highways invites trouble

The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serio...
Read More

Story

One year on, still no progress on new ferries

Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network.
Read More

Story

Public transport fare hikes a disaster

The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for commun...
Read More

Story

Coalition Govt’s expensive tunnel vision for Wellington comes at the expense of the regions

A second Mount Victoria tunnel, a duplicate Terrace tunnel alongside highway widening will dump more traffic in the centre of Wellington and result...
Read More

Story

Raising speed limits will cost our communities

The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. 
Read More

Story

Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix

The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the...
Read More