Media release

PT-tagged fuel levy is FAB for Shore
May 17, 2007

North Shore City Mayor George Wood says the public transport-tagged fuel levy announced in today’s Budget signals better ferry and bus services for his community.

Mr Wood acknowledges the Government’s sustained support for passenger transport in the Auckland region, singling out the proposed ferry terminal at Beach Haven and a commitment to integrated ticketing for special praise.

The third-term mayor, who has been lobbying for regional integrated ticketing since he first took office in 1998, listened as Transport Minister Annette King outlined the plans at a special Budget lock-up this morning.

“There’s something in this package for all our regional partners and the different modes of public transport. They’re on the right track with the rail electrification plan for sure, but I’m delighted that bus services and ferry facilities are in the mix,” he says.

George Wood spoke with Mrs King and Prime Minister Helen Clark on Tuesday at the opening of the Esmonde Interchange, a major $44M joint venture showcasing the partnership between the Government’s Transit NZ, North Shore City Council, Auckland City Council and the ARC Group.

“The Government’s news today endorses our own council’s commitment to passenger transport, evidenced by our strategic investment in the Northern Busway which comes on line early next year.

“We will continue to work with the Government and our regional partners to put the words into action.

“Indeed, today’s announcement gives us even greater encouragement to deliver our $800M Better Transport programme of infrastructure upgrades over the next 10 years, including improving access to and from the new facilities,” Mr Wood says.

“I’ve invited Helen and Annette to come back and open the Busway next year as they’re very much part of the solution to our transport issues.

“As Annette said earlier today, our Busway is the north of the regional compass with rail providing the southern, western and eastern axes.”

North Shore City Council supported the regional fuel tax to help bridge the funding gap for a long list of transport projects. It endorsed the electrification of Auckland’s suburban rail system along with various ferry and bus-related projects.

Its mayor has been on record as seeking a fair allocation across the region and transport modes.

George Wood says his city is happy to pay its way but its residents and business people deserve to share the benefits of their increased investment in transport.

“North Shore City is a large and important part of the attractiveness and economic vitality of the region. We’ll want to be convinced that there is a fair allocation from the overall pool of funds to transport improvements that benefit the Shore.

“I acknowledge that this levy is an impost on motorists but, as a region we have to make the investments needed to ensure a competitive future,” he says.

In its draft 2007-08 Annual Plan, North Shore City is budgeting to spend 19c in every dollar of rates on transport, with $57.6m invested in new transport capital projects.

(ends)

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