The latest media release from the Campaign for Better Transport discusses the role that transport could play in the upcoming election, as well as reminding everyone about the meeting of transport spokespeople this coming Thursday:
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.
In the past I’ve generally thought that transport wasn’t much of an election issue (at least not for general elections, it certainly is for local government elections), but this time – especially with the parties so polarised over key projects like the City Rail Link, I’m not so sure.
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It would be nice to see transport taken more seriously as a political/election issue. I know a big part of my weekly budget and energy/time goes into moving around the city. There are also the hidden costs of transport eg. environment damage, death and injuries. The environment largely subsidizes the transport system we have.
Roads have always been a big election issue — a classic ploy for getting an electorate on-board is to promise them a new road. Indeed, roads and hospitals are generally the two really big ticket centrally funded items.
Two reason i will not vote for National this election.
1. Asset Sales.
2. Auckland rail tunnel and PT in general.
Thanks Admin.
The 3 news / Reid poll the other day surveyed 20,000 people on what was important to them, and the environment was number 1, with the price of petrol at #4.
Link here: http://www.3news.co.nz/Natural-environment-number-one-election-issue-for-voters/tabid/419/articleID/231299/Default.aspx
Unfortunately, won’t be able to attend due to prior engagement. Why no Steven Joyce? The other parties are sending their top spokespersons. There was talk of Joyce standing in the Rodney electorate and while I have no doubt that he would have won (National could put up a gum boot in Rodney and would still win the seat) it would have been good for the electors to register their disgust. So we will have to endure the most unpopular minister for years being returned to parliament without anyone voting for him at all.
We advised Steven Joyce’s office of the date months ago and his office said it was too far away to be able to commit to attending. We kept asking but finally we were advised that he would not be able to attend, and that David Bennett (who is the chair of the Transport select committee) would attend.
I suspect that because outside parliament and its rules that Joyce knows that Gareth Hughes will absolutely skewer him.
You should have told Joyce it was a trucking or road lobby meeting. He would be there like a flash!