Taken for a Ride is an amazing documentary by Jim Kleina and Martha Olson that documents the efforts to derail mass transit in America. Using historical footage and investigative research, this film tells how GM fought to push freeways into the inner cities of America, and push public transportation out.
Brian Rudman writes in today’s NZ Herald:
Talk about trying to board the train after it leaves the station. For nigh on 100 years, efforts to build a commuter train service in Auckland have been stalled by squabbling politicians, local and national.
As covered by the Waikato Times this morning, the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee will not be considering the CBT led petiti0n for a Hamilton to Auckland rail service.
The report is here, but petition is effectively dismissed in one sentence:
The majority of us note that this service has recently been considered by the relevant local authorities and they decided not to establish such a service at this time, and therefore we have no matters to bring to the attention of the House.
The problem for David Bennett though is that is manifestly not true. Cr Dave McPherson goes as far as calling it “complete crap” and that “Hamilton City Council has continued to support it and has not pulled its support”.
Environment Waikato is yet to meet with the NZTA to discuss the matter.
David Bennett is clearly wrong.
Media Release 28th April, 14:00
Environment Waikato will receive a petition this Thursday asking for a commuter rail service between Hamilton and Auckland to be included in its Annual Plan.
Signed by over 11,500 people, The Campaign for Better Transport petition has already been presented to central Government for consideration. However, campaign manager Jon Reeves says it is important for Environment Waikato to take a proactive stance.
“Environment Waikato need to take a proactive stance on this issue” said Mr Reeves. “They are charged with organising public transport in the Waikato area. Rather than simply sitting on the fence, the council needs to advocate and engage with the Government to get the service up and running in time for the Rugby World Cup. A good start would be to meet with local government MPs and instruct them to publicly support the service”.
Environment Waikato’s Annual Plan currently makes no mention of a Waikato to Auckland rail service, in spite of a favourable report on the idea which the organisation received over a year ago. The report confirmed the economic benefits of a rail link for the Waikato region.
The petition will be supplemented by the presentation of 500 personalised postcards to Environment Waikato councillors.
Submissions on Environment Waikato’s Annual Plan close this Friday. Mr Reeves is urging the public to make personal submissions in support of Waikato trains by emailing
The Annual Plan for Environment Waikato has, accidentally, left out any mention of the Hamilton – Auckland commuter trains. This is YOUR CHANCE to remind them they should happen this year.
The CBT has written a submission for you. Feel free to add to, or delete from, the submission.
RECOMMENDATION: Add a paragraph as to why you want the trains. Perhaps you are a student, a business person, retired, or just would fancy the region by train. Whatever, make the point known.
All you have to do is download it and send it to: Please cc so we can manage the numbers submitted.
LAST DAY THIS FRIDAY 30th APRIL!!
Environment Waikato conducted a business case study into the feasibility of a rail service between Hamilton and Auckland. We have uploaded it in PDF format here:
Things have moved on a bit from when this study was done. For instance, the study thinks that 1 service a day would be all that is required, but we really think 3 services a day would be extremely well patronised. One business alone, with offices in Hamilton and Auckland, would take at least 10 seats a day on the service.
Of course, having commissioned the study which shows a positive benefit cost ratio, Environment Waikato are now ignoring it completely.
ARTA Media Release
Autumn is upon us and many Auckland cyclists consider the milder conditions the best to get on their bikes and use pedal power to move around the city.
To help cyclists and would-be-cyclists on their way, a series of online, interactive cycle maps have been launched today to provide up-to-date information and help Aucklanders plan their active transport routes around the region.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) has teamed up with Google, the Ministry of Transport and the wider cycling community to create the maps that chart Auckland’s cycling facilities and infrastructure. The cycle maps also provide valuable safety information regarding areas where there have been recent cycle and motor vehicle incidents.
Read the full media release here.
Submissions on the Draft Annual Plans for Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council close this Friday, 23rd April. This is your chance to remind both councils you want Waikato Trains Now!
The CBT has made it easy for you, and you can kill two birds with one stone and submit your opposition to big trucks at the same time.
A template submission to the Hamilton City Council is here. Email this one to
A template submission to the Waikato District Council is here. Email this one to
Yes, you can send a submission to both councils, no matter where you live. With everyone’s help, we’ll get our Waikato Trains Now!
Join the conversation at the CBT online forum.