Transport Minister assures Mayor that funding will be forthcoming

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams has welcomed assurances received today from Transport Minister Steven Joyce that the Government has a plan and funding mechanisms worked out to replace the regional fuel tax that was due to commence in July.

“The Minister tells me they have it all worked out, so I certainly hope that this is the case before they axe a funding scheme that the leaders and councils in Auckland had sought to implement to provide ongoing revenues to fund vital aspects of the much needed public transport system.”

“Ferry terminals and integrated bus-rail-ferry ticketing were part of the fuel tax package, as well as electrification of the suburban rail network. North Shore City is eager to see our ferry services improved to better utilise the Waitemata Harbour, assisted by efficient fully integrated ticketing. I have asked the Minister for assurances that his announcement this week will include details of how the ferry terminals and integrated ticketing will be covered. They are important parts of the mix.”

“I have also warned the Minister that the Auckland region cannot go back to the days of the 90’s and earlier this decade where this region was starved of roading and transport funding. Most of Auckland’s perceived problems can be attributed to inadequate transport funding over several decades, and we simply cannot be “de-railed” again. The Minister must ensure that his “Auckland Transport Package” comprehensively covers the funding requirements for the region, which would have been greatly assisted by the regional fuel tax. Government cannot leave Auckland once again in limbo with uncertainties around transport funding.”

“The Transport Minister certainly needs to announce a very sound alternative funding source for the future needs of Auckland’s transport before axing this fuel tax. I will be interested to see where he is getting his money tree from to help pay for Auckland’s public transport problems.”

ENDS

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