Chamber welcomes transport package – ‘at last’

Media Release
18 June 2013

Chamber welcomes transport package – ‘at last’
The package of proposed transport improvements for Wellington City is a vital and exciting step towards further rejuvenation of the local economy, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce CEO Raewyn Bleakley.

“This is an exciting day. At last it feels like we’re getting somewhere. Now we can see something tangible after all the talk and delay.

“The Basin flyover, the tunnel duplication, the public transport options – they’ve all been more than five years coming, but today’s announcements show that the city is again on the move, and that is great news.

“I’m sure the response will be a lift in confidence by business now that it knows the city’s biggest bottleneck is to be unplugged. That one thing alone will make it a great deal easier to do business in the city.

“The combination of these projects – and particularly streamlining of the route between the airport and the city and on to Ngauranga – will bring huge benefits to the city and the region. Plug into that the airport expansion, and this city will be well and truly open for business.”

Raewyn Bleakley says the public transport options will also play a big part.

“As well as roading investment, Wellington needs a well developed passenger transport system and I’m impressed with the public transport options presented.

“The Chamber does not yet have a preferred option. We want something that does the best job of reducing congestion and so improving economic productivity, supporting growth, and making the city a more attractive place to do business. That is an essential ingredient.

“It looks as if the Bus Rapid Transit is the most cost-effective option, but let’s see what the detail of the options look like.

“The combination of the proposals announced today will remove many of the obstacles to growth and give Wellington a 21st century transport system that will stand for many decades to come.”

ENDS

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