The RAM Plan for free & frequent transit

Earlier in 2007, the chief executive of Auckland Regional Transport Authority received an Open Letter from RAM advocating free and frequent public transport. It was signed by Grant Morgan (RAM organiser), Robyn Hughes (RAM councillor on Auckland Regional Council) and Roger Fowler (RAM transport analyst). Extracts from the Open Letter are printed below:

We need a far more serious push for public transit in Greater Auckland. To make this happen, RAM advocates:

The introduction of free and frequent public transport across the region's built-up areas.

Auckland Regional Council to buy and operate 3,000 low-emission buses as a public service.

A fast-track programme to create bus lanes and expressways through all built-up areas.

Electrified commuter rail to be extended to as many areas as possible.

Financing to mostly come from a major diversion of funds from motorway building in Greater Auckland to public transit.

Top-up financing to come from taxes on hotel beds and airport arrivals so tourists offset their carbon emissions getting here.

FREE BUSES TRIAL

To help get things moving, RAM proposes a large-scale free buses trial to the Auckland Regional Transport Authority.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis has offered three city suburbs in which to hold a free buses trial.

This has the backing of the Auckland Tramways Union, who cover most bus drivers.

And the Auckland Regional Council has resolved to support a feasibility study into a free buses trial.

RAM believes the relatively small amount of funding required for a free buses trial can be found without too much effort, so long as the institutional will is there to do so.

RAM would like to be involved in the implementation and analysis of such a trial.

The RAM Team is standing for 27 positions on the Auckland Regional Council, Auckland City Council and Community Boards, and the region's three District Health Boards.

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