Next Step for Government is a commitment to the Congestion Free Network
The next step for the Government is a commitment to the projects in the Congestion Free Network after the
electrification of the rail network is complete and opened by the Prime Minister at Britomart today, says youth
organisation Generation Zero.
Spokesperson, Dr Sudhvir Singh, explains “To get the best return on electrification we need to continue investing in
Auckland’s public transport network. The Congestion Free Network is the best way for Auckland to achieve its goal to be
the world’s most liveable city, providing a high frequency public transport service around the region with a
‘turn-up-and-go’ rate of at least every ten minutes.”
The group today will send a message to the Prime Minister at the event holding signs saying ‘Auckland need’s the
Congestion Free Network’. Dr Singh; “We want to make sure the Prime Minister understands that there is real public
demand for better public transport in Auckland and that now is the time to capitalise on this demand. Over the last
year, for the first time we have reached more than 11 million trips on the rail network which continues the recent trend
of strong patronage growth, justifying stronger investment.”
The Government has recently confirmed that it will not commit funding to the City Rail Link before 2020. Dr Singh, “By
delaying the City Rail Link the Government is restricting economic development by slowing down the redevelopment of
central Auckland and limiting transport choices. The Government should follow demand, and invest in the City Rail Link
as soon as possible and not wait to meet some arbitrary patronage goal.”
Dr Singh, “A commitment to the City Rail Link and subsequently the Congestion Free Network would mean that by 2030
Aucklanders would have a complete network providing them genuine transport choices.”
ENDS