Mayoral candidate David Hay released his transport policy today, in response to the Auckland Transport Alignment Project report, released yesterday by Auckland Council and the government.

"My Transport Policy is very simple, and there's nothing new in it." said Mr Hay

"I will do what we should have done years ago, what we have to do next, and what Auckland is, actually, already planning to do:

1. Build the Rapid Transit Network already outlined in the Auckland Plan.
2. Create transport nodes and corridors that support intensification in the Unitary Plan.
3. Have the Rapid Transit Network connected to and supported by networks of cycleways, walkways, and light rail.

"Auckland Council and the government need to agree on how this transformational change will be funded, and who is responsible for leading it.

"I want the government to immediately cease spending money on motorways in Auckland, and commit to funding the Rapid Transit Network instead. This represents a Quantum Shift in the government's recent transport funding priorities.

"The work done by the Auckland Transport Alignment Project is a good beginning. I don't see it as a final agreement, but as the starting point for an ongoing process. Now we need to build on that, formalise it, and create an enduring cross-party consensus to deliver a carbon zero transport network for Auckland. As quickly as possible." said Mr Hay.

"My policy is in the form of a presentation I gave to the Auckland Regional Council's land transport committee in 2008, when I was the Green Party's Auckland Transport Group convenor."

"When you have compelling long-term vision, and transport solutions that you know will work, it is best to stay on message and stick to your guns. That's what I've done. And that's what Auckland needs to do." said Mr Hay.

ENDS

Policy statement online: http://www.heydavidhay.nz/transport-policy/

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