Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Media Statement
Thursday 23rd June 2016
Saving Cable Car a no-brainer says Chamber

It’s a no-brainer that Wellington’s two councils must ensure the Cable Car is never closed down, says Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

Responding to a Cable Car Company report that it could close within 10 years unless it receives help with ongoing funding and to upgrade the cars, he says it’s inconceivable the iconic tourist attraction could disappear.

“This is part of Wellington’s identity, and it’s a vital piece of our attraction offering.

“Families make special trips from out of town during school holidays to take their children on the Cable Car, and it’s the first place many visitors go when they come here.

“I can’t imagine the city without it.

“Our economy is hardly in a position where we can let slip an attraction that attracts more than a million passengers a year and sees queues trailing out into Lambton Quay during school holidays and anytime there’s a cruise ship in town.

“It’s also a vital transport link with Kelburn to the centre of the city, and closing it would cause congestion issues in that part of the city.

“The solutions are obvious: Wellington Regional Council must work on integrating the Cable Car into the public transport network, which would mean a 50 per cent taxpayer subsidy and 25 per cent funding from regional rates.

“And the City Council must play their part. They gain most from the visitors who come into the city to use the Cable Car, so they should also be stumping up. They put in $2.5 million recently to help upgrade the electric drive, so they are clearly aware of its significance.

“The council takes a decent chunk of money from central city businesses in the form of the Downtown Levy, and this is exactly the sort of thing that could be used for.

“The council’s involvement is a no-brainer if we are to keep this great attraction.”

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