17 June 2004

Transport reorganisation a positive move

Government’s revamp of the land transport sector is potentially a very good step forward, but the proof will be in the quality of land transport policy in the future, Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Officer Tony Friedlander says.

“Focusing transport policy-making in a single body, the Ministry of Transport, will mean a long overdue strengthening of the Ministry’s policy making role. It reduces the level of duplication and the potential for conflict between the various Government agencies in the transport sector.

“Putting revenue management and expenditure together under Transfund will allow more efficient management of cash flow and removing an entire organisation’s administrative structure will mean a saving in overheads. This should mean more money for desperately needed roads.”

However Mr Friedlander warns that improving processes doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. “The proof of the value of these changes will be in whether we see an improved quality of transport policy. Much of the recent Green-dominated policy we have seen over the past few years leaves a lot of room for improvement.

“If the political policy directives are poor, there will be little an improved and strengthened Ministry of Transport will be able to do. It doesn’t matter how good systems are, if you put garbage in you get garbage out.”

ENDS

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