Please note, corrected policy attached. 22 October 2008
Greens Launch Wellington Transport Strategy
The Green Party announced their Transport Strategy for Wellington today, which is designed to eliminate congestion in
Wellington, make public transport affordable, and reduce our carbon emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.
"Wellington desperately needs more trains, more buses, and better public transport. The Green Party has laid out an
affordable plan for this to happen," Wellington Transport Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.
"We will double central Government funding available for public transport infrastructure so that ratepayers and public
transport users aren't unfairly burdened with the costs of expanding services. Currently, the Government spends only 20
cents on public transport for every $1 it spends on roads.
"This is the time to be investing in sustaining infrastructure. We will complete our rail network, which currently ends
on the outskirts of Wellington's CBD, and build a light rail network from Johnsonville and the Hutt through to the
airport. It will run on clean, renewable electric power and cost less than half the amount of Transmission Gully.
"We will make Wellington more people-friendly and liveable by promoting safer walkways and cycling and. funding the
Great Harbourway, a walking and cycling trail stretching right the way around our harbour. We will complete our regional
cycle network.
"Trains and buses at peak hour are currently crammed full, while off peak services are relatively empty. The Green
Party will introduce $1 off peak fares to encourage people to travel during off peak hours," Ms Kedgley says.
ENDS