Road Transport Forum NZ (RTF) commends the Government for its decision to negotiate directly with Tranz Rail to buy back the lease of the Auckland rail network.

Chief executive Tony Friedlander said the trucking industry had been seriously concerned at the lack of sound commercial principles demonstrated throughout the negotiations so far and agreed with the Government’s assessment that the $112 million price tag was grossly excessive.

“Our position from day one was that if the Government wanted to be involved in the buying back of former Government assets, the money should come directly from the proceeds of the New Zealand Rail sale and not from road users. It would appear they have accepted the logic of that argument,” said Mr Friedlander.

“Whatever arrangement the Government reaches with Tranz Rail, it should be made clear by them that road users must not be expected to subsidise any capital expansion or operating losses associated with the tracks, ”said Mr Friedlander.

ENDS

Details: Tony Friedlander Ph: 04 472 3877 Mob: 025 483 163

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