16 October 2006
Media Advisory

Greens and United Future join forces to save Johnsonville line

Green Party Associate Transport Spokesperson Sue Kedgley is to host a public meeting tomorrow evening to oppose the discontinuation of the Johnsonville rail line.

United Future Leader Peter Dunne, Ontrack Chief executive David George, and Option3 Spokesperson Roland Sapsford will speak at the event.

A review of options for the line is currently underway, and one option being considered by the Greater Wellington Regional Council is to rip up the railway tracks and replace them with a one-way exclusive busway.

"Ripping up an existing, electrified rail line and replacing it with diesel buses is a loopy idea and would constitute a giant step backwards for local residents," Ms Kedgley says.

"Buses are less popular than trains, carry far fewer passengers, already cause congestion in Wellington traffic, and are reliant on fossil fuels which fluctuate in price and produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

"Opposition to this scheme is widespread, and transcends party-political lines. Hopefully the Regional Councillors will recognise the folly of this proposal, and direct their attentions instead to upgrading and improving the service on the existing Johnsonville line."

What: Save the Line! Public Meeting hosted by Sue Kedgley, MP
When: 7pm, Tuesday 17 October 2006
Where: Johnsonville Masonic Hall, 25 Phillip Street, Johnsonville

ENDS

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