Auckland's Transport Election Debate

The Campaign for Better Transport, in association with TransportBlog and Generation Zero, is counting down to Auckland's Transport Election Debate, on the 27th August.

The meeting will be a chance for the public to find out from each party in the coming general election what they are promising to do for Auckland's transport problems and options.

"We are hoping for some solid transport policy for Auckland from each of the parties attending," said Cameron Pitches, Convenor of the Campaign for Better Transport.

Each speaker has been allocated ten minutes to speak, to be followed by questions from the floor from the general public.

"We've outlined a number of areas that we expect each speaker to cover. These include their party's positions on the timing of the City Rail Link, and how transport projects across the different modes should be prioritised and funded in Auckland."

TransportBlog contributor Patrick Reynolds will also be on hand to talk about the Congestion Free Network, a public transport focussed initiative that focusses on moving people effectively around Auckland at peak times.

Sudhvir Singh, a medical doctor and a leader of Generation Zero, is looking forward to the event.

"Young people are demanding that we learn from past mistakes when it comes to transport funding. A liveable low-carbon city is entirely possible if we are smarter about transport and give people choices," said Dr Singh.

Representatives from Labour, the Greens, NZ First and ACT will be attending. National's transport spokesperson and current Minister of Transport Gerry Brownlee is unable to attend due to prior diary commitments. Organisers are hopeful that National will be able to put forward an alternative spokesperson.

"Nationwide, more than $2.5bn is collected in fuel and road taxes every year, and these taxes are increasing year on year. The public needs assurance that the Government after the 20th September will be spending our tax dollars on the right projects," concludes Mr Pitches.

Auckland's Transport Election Debate
Pioneer Women's and Ellen Melville Hall, Freyberg Square, Auckland Central.
Wednesday 27th August, 7:30pm sharp. Building access from 6:00pm.

Confirmed speakers:

Labour - Phil Twyford
Greens - Julie Anne Genter
NZ First - Denis O'Rourke
ACT - David Seymour

ends

© Scoop Media