“It’s wonderful news,” said Green MP Keith Locke, the party’s Auckland transport spokesperson.
“It gives the green light to an Auckland-wide rapid rail network, with bus feeder routes,” said Mr Locke.
The Green Party will be pushing the government to cover some of the $65 million fee being paid to Tranz Rail under the latest agreement.
“It would be a good signal, given an earlier government was at fault in giving Tranz Rail exclusive access to the rail lines.
“Further down the track we hope the state-owned Transfund will make a substantial contribution to developing Auckland’s rapid rail network.
“The city’s traffic congestion is a national disgrace,” said Mr Locke.
Keith Locke MP: 04 470 6710
Gina Dempster, Press secretary: 04 470 6723 or 021 1265 289
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