Megan Woods, a Labour minister who looks like she could do with a bit more of the walking that the government would like us to be doing, reckons that more commuter rail services are needed for Christchurch.
They’ve already promised better commuter services between Rolleston, just 15km away and Christchurch.
Surely this is all a joke? Stuff reports:
Authorities have confirmed Christchurch commuter rail is “on the table” following the Government’s announcement of new priorities for its land transport plans.
The Government on Tuesday released a 10-year transport plan, which will shift focus from state highway upgrades to light rail and road safety. The Government Policy Statement (GPS) will also hike fuel taxes nationally.
The change in direction is expected to affect some Canterbury projects, such as the proposal to widen the Christchurch to Ashburton highway to four lanes, but could boost bus services and cycleway projects.
Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods on Friday said the GPS meant “money is on the table for commuter rail in Christchurch”.
In the lead-up to the 2017 election, Labour pledged $100 million towards Christchurch’s public transport, including a commuter rail service between Rolleston and the city.
Woods said the Government was fulfilling Labour’s pre-election commitment, but it would not happen overnight.
Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton welcomed the announcement and what it might mean for Rolleston, but said local input into any investment was key.
“We totally welcome the Government bringing money into Canterbury for public transport, and if that’s going to be rail we’ll work with them on what that might look like.”
He expressed some doubt though about whether rail was the best solution. There were already buses operating between the centres and, if they were running at full capacity, “maybe a rail service would be the next thing that happens”.
“The detail needs working out, but the big picture is it’s good to have the money.” End of quote.
What a joke. Labour has never met a rail project they didn’t like. Less than 400,000 people live in the Village of the damned. I really struggle to see how there is even a problem that requires expensive rail solutions. Rolleston’s population is just 14,650…why do they need public transport when much of Auckland isn’t serviced by any decent public transport at all?
Seems like a hell of a lot of money for what is essentially a population that is 3 and a bit times what is proposed for Twyford’s new KiwiSlum.
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