Media Release from the Campaign For Better Transport
19th March 2010: For Immediate Release
Hamilton Commuter Rail Petition "Sprint to the Finish"
A petition calling for the introduction of a commuter rail service between Auckland and Hamilton has gathered nearly
8,000 signatures.
The Campaign for Better Transport wants to present the petition to Hamilton and regional politicians in two weeks time,
however campaign organiser Jon Reeves describes the coming weekend as "a sprint to the finish."
"People from all walks of life have signed the petition so far– business people, students, grandparents, retailers and
tourists included," says Mr. Reeves. "But we really want to demonstrate the strong public support for Waikato rail to
Environment Waikato and central Government as emphatically as we can."
Three quarters of those who have signed to date are from Hamilton and Waikato towns that would be served by a commuter
rail service.
Volunteers will be collecting signatures at key Waikato events this weekend, including the Ngaruawahia Regatta and
markets and festivals in the Hamilton area.
The cost of establishing a commuter rail service running three times a day between Hamilton and Auckland has been
estimated at up to $1m. However, Mr Reeves says required subsidies will decrease over time.
"In comparison with the just announced $168.7m funding package for the Te Rapa section of the Waikato Expressway, the
cost of establishing a commuter rail service is minimal and would be a good strategic hedge against rising petrol
costs."
"A rail service makes economic as well as environmental sense as obviously commuters won’t need to fund the ownership
and operating costs of a vehicle, and they can make good use of their time with laptops and phones, or by simply
relaxing and reading the paper."
"For once Hamiltonians will have a guaranteed time of arrival into Auckland and be able to connect to the regular
airport shuttle buses direct from Papatoetoe station," concludes Mr Reeves.
The petition can be downloaded from www.bettertransport.org.nz
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