28 September 2006

Brown Pleased With Overlander Reinstatement

New Zealand First transport spokesperson Peter Brown is pleased with today’s announcement that Toll will continue the Overlander service between Wellington and Auckland, albeit on a reduced basis.

“I must congratulate Toll on their decision to throw the Overlander a lifeline,” said Mr Brown.

“There has been overwhelming public support for the service to continue and I am glad to see Toll has looked at the long term situation rather than profitability in the short term.

“Having refused to offer a short-term subsidy to keep the service alive, the Government should now be looking at what other options it can exercise to encourage the use of the service such as active promotion of rail as a tourist attraction.

“It has been great to see the public getting in behind this service and I sincerely hope that patronage will increase to ensure this great service has a bright future,” said Mr Brown.

ENDS

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