Labour leader Fartoomuchpressure invaded the temporary Britomart Station in Central Auckland today to reiterate Labour’s transport policy.

“One of the areas that has been neglected over the last decade has been transport. The government would see us using more and more cars, clogging our cities with unnecessary cars, pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and spending money on infrastructure for cars. We need forward-thinking leadership on transport. We need to think about what our transport system is going to look like twenty, thirty, forty years from now. We need to plan for a future where cars are less important and put more focus on public transport.

“In Auckland, we will build a new light rail network connecting the central suburbs, the airport, West Auckland and ultimately the North Shore. This will begin with light rail from the CBD to Auckland Airport. This will reduce travel time around the entire city and make public transport a viable option for many. We will invest in more bus routes, to make travel across the city easier such as New Lynn-Flat Bush, Point Chevalier-Botany, Silverdale-Whangaparoa, and Howick-Glenfield. To fund this we will allow Auckland Council to collect a regional fuel tax, which will partially pay for these projects. This is a more direct way of raising money, rather than putting the burden on other parts of New Zealand. It will be a greater upfront cost, but it will return many times more in the future.

“Labour will also create a passenger rail service linking Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, with plans to upgrade it to a rapid rail network throughout the Golden Triangle. This will link the three cities and relieve pressure on Auckland, allowing more people to work in these cities. Labour will also put funding towards public transport in Wellington and Christchurch. This will not just be restricted to the big cities, we will also increase funding for regional projects, by doubling the amount of money set aside for them, from $140 million to $280 million.

“Finally, Labour will work to make it easier for people to walk and cycle in our communities. Ultimately, this will make people less reliant on cars, which is better for the environment, easier on people’s wallets, and better for our health. We will commit more funding to urban cycleways, active neighbourhood projects and the Skypath on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

“Labour’s vision for the future is a diverse, sustainable transport network. Cities that are friendly to all forms of transport will improve the lives of those who live in them. Today’s reliance on cars will have to end. We have a choice between ignoring reality and between planning ahead and preparing for the future. Labour has chosen to plan ahead, to ensure that there is a sustainable future for all New Zealanders.”