A Colmar Brunton poll showing huge backing for public transport proves how out of touch the National Government is in its fixation on roads, say Labour’s Transport spokesperson Shane Jones and Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.
“Transport Minister Steven Joyce has spent most of this week re-announcing and then re-announcing again so-called ‘new’ roads of national significance,” Shane Jones said.
Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford says: “Labour understands that quality public transport, like the Rail Link in Auckland, is critical to making our cities in particular more efficient, healthier and better to live in. We also understand that active transport options like cycling and walking must be made more convenient and viable.”
Shane Jones said: “National’s embarrassing failure to come to grips with the need to promote and facilitate public transport, particularly in Auckland, is becoming more apparent by the day, and has been dramatically highlighted by the new poll.”
The Colmar Brunton-World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) poll shows 70 per cent of Kiwis want more money for improving public transport, while 78 per cent of Aucklanders say more of the transport budget should be spent on public transport in major urban areas.
“Labour agrees,” Shane Jones said. “For the past three years National has had a one-track mind driving down four lines of highway. New Zealand cannot simply be fixated on one transport mode. We need a mix that is integrated across rail, shipping, public transport, walking and cycling, as well as highways that serve limited ends.
“Labour wants all modes to work together to benefit our quality of life and our economy.”
Phil Twyford said Labour understood the mood apparent in the poll. “That’s why Labour has already announced that it wants to take $1.2 billion into an equal partnership with Auckland Council to build the City Centre Rail Link.
“Labour’s transport policy recognises that we can no longer afford to be obsessed with roads in the way that National has been.”
