Southerner Plan Completely Lacks Logic
Thursday, September 20 2001 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Transport
ACT MP Penny Webster today dismissed Jim Anderton's move to spend money keeping the Southerner alive, as the actions of
somebody trying to justify his existence.
"Jim Anderton is throwing taxpayer money at a rail network that is poorly patronised, to buy votes. The Southerner is
less popular than cheaper forms of transport. Patronage numbers are around 30 each trip.
"Local councils have contrasting opinions on putting their own money up, and businesses have too much sense to become
involved. Ratepayers should be very worried that their money is going to be thrown down the drain like this.
"Jim Anderton is simply wasting taxpayer money on shuttling a near-empty train back and forth, just to try and upstage
the Greens," Mrs Webster said.
For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at
act@parliament.govt.nz.