Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Media Statement
Wednesday 25th May 2016

Transdev’s plans good for region, says Chamber
Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes moves by the region’s new train operator to make significant improvements to services.

Chief Executive John Milford says Transdev’s report to the Regional Council which talked about longer and more frequent peak-hour trains and better and faster customer service was what Wellington needed to hear.

“This is the sort of improvement we need to help the region grow. Getting more people to work more efficiently is part of the economic efficiency we need. I’m looking forward to seeing what Transdev delivers after July 3.

“But it’s not just about rail – it’s also about buses, and trucks and cars, and ensuring we have the right roading infrastructure.

“An efficient economy needs an integrated transport system that is 100 per cent efficient, and we must keep working on that.

“ASB’s Regional Economic Scorecard, which has us lagging behind regions such as Bay of Plenty, shows there is a lot to be done, with even our tourism not surging as we would like.

“Next year’s Lions’ rugby tour also points to the fact that we need more hotels if we are to handle bigger events, with their two matches in a week at the stadium practically selling out our accommodation already.

“NZ Trade and Enterprise has identified that New Zealand needs 26 extra hotels over the next 10 years to keep up with the projected rise in tourism, and Wellington is one of the destinations it has identified.

“We’ve got to be working hard on all fronts and that’s why the proposed Urban Development Agency is so important – to get the best planners to identify opportunities and knit together development that the city needs.”

ENDS

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