Celia for Mayor Campaign

Media Release

Mayoral contender announces light rail plan

1 July 2010 – Mayoral candidate Celia Wade-Brown today unveiled plans to roll out a light rail transport network in Wellington by 2020.

Speaking at her campaign launch today, Celia Wade-Brown said that Wellington requires a transformative and strategic approach to transport issues. She is proposing a new light rail line that will run from the railway station to Courtenay Place via the Golden Mile, onwards to the hospital and Newtown, through Kilbirnie to the airport.

“I intend to complete the planning for the light rail system in my first term as mayor, to begin laying rails in my second term, and to see the system complete by 2020”, said Celia Wade-Brown.

According to Celia Wade-Brown, “We know from overseas case studies that light rail not only improves the transport infrastructure, it also drives good environmental stewardship and economic transformation. In the US and Europe many cities have discovered that light rail improves property values, draws in new businesses, and improves the quality of life for commuters and residents alike.”

She said that Lambton Quay, Courtenay Place and Adelaide Road will be more vibrant and more pleasant places to live, work and shop as a result of the light rail system, while the trains will be able to carry nearly double the passengers of the existing congested bus network. There will also be significant benefits for Wellingtonians accessing the new Indoor Community Sports Centre, and tourists and business people arriving at the airport will have a fast, convenient and cost-effective way to get into town.

“Of course, a mayor can’t build a light rail system on her own!” said Celia Wade-Brown. “So I’ll be working hard with the regional council and central government to design, fund and implement this strategic project.”

Celia Wade-Brown committed to begin an open, transparent discussion about light rail with Wellingtonians before the end of 2010, “so the wisdom of our entire community can produce the best possible plan.”

ENDS

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