National's transport priorities still backwards

The Government's transport policy continues to under-invest in public transport and vital road maintenance while splurging money on National's pet motorway projects, Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said today.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has today released partial figures for the 2012/15 National Land Transport Programme.

"It is clear that the lion's share of money is being preserved for the Government's pet motorway projects, which will cost $12 billion to deliver minimal benefits," said Ms Genter.

"That's not a rational use of taxpayer money.

"To fund these uneconomic motorways, the Government froze funding for maintenance and renewal of existing roads.

"The increases indicated by NZTA will come nowhere near to covering inflation. The additional costs will be lumped on to councils and, ultimately, ratepayers.

"Increased funding for public transport services is welcome but will only keep up with growing demand.

"The lack of new money for public transport infrastructure is very disappointing. It will prevent people accessing public transport as an alternative to increasingly expensive car travel.

"New billion dollar motorways may be very nice for the small percentage of road users who will drive on them every day, but all of us will pay the cost through higher rates, worse local roads, and overcrowded public transport," said Ms Genter.