AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

26 February 2007

Mayor says public transport moving in the right direction but not far enough

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard is pleased that influence over bus companies will increase, making for a more efficient service, but says the government hasn’t gone far enough.

“We are pleased that the government has finally stepped in. We have been urging Aucklanders to get out of their cars and on to buses for some time, but if the bus service is unreliable, how can we expect people to make the switch?”

The mayor was speaking after the government’s announcement on tougher laws that will set new standards for bus operators, including integrated ticketing.

“Aucklanders needs are very simple. We want reliable and convenient bus travel - and of course it has to be good value for money,” says Mr Hubbard.

“We are moving in the right direction,” he says, “By giving regional councils a greater degree of control over commercial services we can start developing a reliable public transport system that meets the needs of Aucklanders.”

“However, in terms of the big picture, we are still the laughing stock of the world,” he says. “That’s why you’ll continue to see me fighting for more investment and faster delivery in terms of our public transport system - most urgent is the electrification of our rail system.”

Mr Hubbard says Auckland City Council has worked hard to develop infrastructure that supports public transport, including creating 26km of bus lanes around the city.

Legislation to allow the changes is expected to be introduced into parliament within the next six months.

Mr Hubbard says he will keep a close eye on the situation and will urge the government to take stronger measures if the new legislation is not producing the desired results.

ENDS

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