Relieve petrol costs with more buses and trains

The Government can lessen the impact of the price of oil, even if it can’t reduce the price, the Green Party said today.

“The Government is washing its hands of the problem, when it could actually be doing something to help,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

Mrs Turei was responding to comments from John Key who said the rising petrol prices and living costs were out of his hands.

“New Zealanders are facing rising prices at the petrol pump and public transport is overcrowded. The Government has moved transport funding into building new motorways instead of cheaper, more sustainable public transport like buses, trains, and cycleways,” Mrs Turei said.

“John Key may be oblivious to rising costs as he flies around in his army helicopter or in his BMW, but the average person is feeling the pinch and needs realistic alternatives to driving to help reduce their transport costs.

“Increased demand for public transport shows that many would like to leave their car at home and use a cheaper alternative. But due to a major lack of investment into bus lanes and rail infrastructure, the options just aren’t there.

“Rather than spending $10 billion on new motorways that people can’t afford to drive on, the Government can shift money to public transport where the demand is.

“More buses and trains would help blunt the rising costs of petrol for commuters and have a positive effect on the environment. It is win-win.

“The Government says buses need roads to drive on. But this Government is spending billions on motorways that commuter buses infrequently use. We need the investment to be in urban rail, bus, and cycling projects,” said Mrs Turei.