The Campaign for Better Transport is picking transport to be a major issue in the forthcoming election. The organisation is hosting a public meeting where the main political parties will be given the opportunity to explain what they intend to do over the next three years to improve transport, particularly in Auckland.

Spokesperson Cameron Pitches says he hopes the meeting will cover wide range of transport issues, but a key role of central Government is administering the $2.8bn annual fuel tax revenue in a “sensible and realistic” manner.

“Current Goverment policy limits just 0.8% of that revenue stream for public transport infrastructure projects. We think that the huge growth in numbers of people using buses and rail in Auckland in recent years justifies a bigger percentage than this,” says Mr Pitches.

Pitches describes the meeting as a unique opportunity for the public to show their support for intiatives such as the CBD rail link and more immediate alternatives to the costly $1.7bn toll road between Puhoi and Wellsford.

“It is our view that in Auckland the CBD rail link is absolutely vital to the continued growth in rail patronage. Other options such as a bus tunnel won’t overcome this, especially given electrification will make commuting by rail even more popular than currently.”

The meeting is to be held on Thursday 10th November, 7:00pm at the Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Place in central Auckland.

Confirmed speakers for the public meeting include:

• David Bennett, MP (National)
• Shane Jones, MP (Labour)
• Gareth Hughes, MP (Greens)
• Don Brash (ACT)
• Colin Craig (Conservatives)

Each speaker will be given 10 minutes to explain their party’s stance on all modes of transport and issues that affect the Auckland region in particular. Audience members will be invited to ask questions after all speakers have presented their policies.

The meeting is open to all members of the public, however as space is limited free tickets should be obtained through http://bettertransportnov11.eventbrite.com/ to guarantee a seat.

[Ends]

Notes:

Looking closer at Operation Lifesaver:

http://transportblog.co.nz/2011/11/02/looking-closer-at-operation-lifesaver/

CBD Bus Tunnel:

http://transportblog.co.nz/2011/10/30/a-cbd-bus-tunnel/

• David Bennett, MP (National)
• Shane Jones, MP (Labour)
• Gareth Hughes, MP (Greens)
• Don Brash (ACT)
• Colin Craig (Conservatives)

The event is being held on Thursday 10th November, 7:00pm at the Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Place, Auckland Central.

Space is strictly limited – reserve your place by getting your free ticket from http://bettertransportnov11.eventbrite.com/

Each speaker will be given 10 minutes to explain their party’s stance on all modes of transport and issues that affect the Auckland region in particular.

We are requesting each speaker address the following two issues within their speech:

1. What does your party believe to be the best way to allocate centrally-held funds to different transport modes (road/rail/sea/active) and why.

2. What does your party propose to do over the next three years to improve transport in Auckland?

It should be a great night! Again space is limited and you will need a ticket to get in. Go to http://bettertransportnov11.eventbrite.com/ to secure your ticket now.