From : CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER TRANSPORT

Press Release
Wednesday June 24, 2009

Support Builds for Waikato Rail

Support for a Waikato to Auckland commuter train service is gathering momentum after last night’s public meeting held in Hamilton by the transport lobby group Campaign For Better Transport.

Spokesperson Jon Reeves told the audience of about 60 residents and business people that the business case for a rail link to Auckland stacks up well economically.

“For every $1 invested in the service, the region will receive $1.90 in benefits through reduced traffic congestion, increased transport options and increased productivity of business commuters”.

WISE Group CEO Jackie Graham spoke in support of the proposed train services, explaining that in a typical day 33 hours of productive time can be lost as staff travel to and from Auckland from their Hamilton Head Office. Graham said WISE Group would commit to buying annual corporate tickets for staff. Another businessman in the audience said his company would also use the service daily.

In spite of strong support from the audience, however, Environment Waikato refuses to fund the service.

Cr. Norm Barker representing Environment Waikato basically said they were conscious of rates, so they do not want to support the rail service financially.

In response, Hamilton City Councillor Dave MacPherson said that was quite a ridiculous position to take, as the costs to ratepayers along the route the train will service is equal to about 6 to $7 a year (approx 55 cents a month) compared to $415 ratepayers in Hamilton will pay for roads in the coming year.

Cr. MacPherson told the audience that as Environment Waikato are not committed to the relatively small amount of funding required to run the train service, his council is talking directly with KiwiRail about a trial service.

Jon Reeves said “It is great to get support for trains from local councils including Waipa and Waikato District Council, along with Hamilton City Council. Environment Waikato is now the only council not ready move by committing funds to get the train service underway immediately. Even the Auckland Regional Council is supportive of Hamilton Rail.”

The strong support by Waikato residents and businesses was reflected by attendees joining Campaign for Better Transport on the spot and offering other resources.

CBT will now launch the next phase of this campaign for Waikato Commuter Trains with the support of the new Hamilton members. Jon Reeves says “we have run some very well received and high profile campaigns which turned into action. We will do the same for the Waikato trains until EW wake up, read the business report they commissioned, listen to the residents and businesses and launch the trains.”

ends

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