8 June 2006

Rowing Champs coup a big win for public transport

The Hamilton City Council is to be congratulated for its role in securing the 2010 World Rowing Championships, particularly for its commitment to efficient public transport during the event, says Hamilton-based Green Party MP Nandor Tanczos.

The Rowing Champs are the third major international sporting event secured by Mayor Michael Redman and his team in recent months, following the V8 Supercars and the World Rally Champs stage.

"It is truly heartening to see that the Hamilton City Council's support for the World Rowing Champs so prominently includes funding for special transport between Hamilton and Karapiro," Nandor says.

"Clearly Mayor Redman and his team understand that effective public transport is central to successful and sustainable international events.

"Without such an commitment you can be sure that State Highway One through Cambridge would turn into a nose-to-tail parking lot, as we've seen on Auckland's Southern Motorway today for the mere opening of a mall.

"The reduction in carbon emissions alone make this initiative worthwhile, but its also worth remembering that by 2010 Peak Oil will be biting and that the financial cost for drivers of being in that traffic jam will be significant.

"One of the big challenges facing councils in trying to solve traffic problems is convincing people that it really is fun, safe and efficient to take the bus. Hamilton is leading the way in using its special events, such as the All Black test this Saturday and the Rowing Champs in four years, as opportunities to get people over their trepidation about public transport so they start choosing it for their daily commuting.

"Mayor Redman recently gave me a commitment that his council would work to green the V8 Supercar race in Hamilton. This commitment to public transport at the Rowing Champs is a further sign that the HCC at least recognises that sustainable transport is the way of the future.

"I also congratulate Rowing New Zealand for this coup, its going to be a great event," Nandor says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media