2 February 2005
Mayor trying to derail rail
Green MP Sue Kedgley says she's alarmed at attempts by Wellington's Mayor to derail the city's long-awaited and
desperately-needed rail upgrade.
"Ms Prendergast has no mandate for her attempts to undermine or delay the long-awaited and desperately-needed rail
upgrade," Ms Kedgley , Green Wellington Transport Spokesperson, said.
"If she wanted to get rid of rail, she should have campaigned on it last October. Wellington's rail system is the
backbone of our public transport system and needs urgent upgrading rather than dismantling."
Ms Kedgley said she was particularly shocked by the Mayor's attack on the proposed Johnsonville rail upgrade.
"The Johnsonville line is on its last legs. Its newest carriages were built in 1949 and we cannot afford any delay in
getting new carriages for this service. I wonder if Ms Prendergast consulted her constituents in the northern suburbs
before making such statements.
"The fact that fifty-year-old carriages are still running shows that rail is an effective, long-term investment. Who
would want to drive a run-down, fifty-year old car?"
Ms Kedgley said the mayor's suggestion of a guided busway was a red herring designed to delay the rail upgrade.
"Far from being 'old technology', rail is a modern and highly-efficient public transport system. We need to improve its
reliability , efficiency and comfort with new carriages.Contrary to what Ms Prendergast claims, there is plenty of
evidence that road users will switch to rail transport if it is comfortable, reliable and efficient."
ENDS