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The $227 million land transport package the government is raising will address our social, environmental and economic priorities for land transport - not just in Auckland but throughout the whole country, including Wairarapa, says Georgina Beyer MP.
Ms Beyer points out all the additional money is going to pay for the transport package and none of it is going into the consolidated fund.
"This package is about getting a smart and balanced approach to land transport - widening the mix to include passenger transport, rail, cycling and walking as well as roads.
"The problems we are dealing with are the result of long-term neglect. The Nats were all talk and no action. After creating a public outcry over their controversial plans to commercialise roads, they failed to make any progress before the last election. This government is prepared to act. By increasing the amount of money available for land transport everyone gets a better share. We are also developing a long-term vision for transport, and this package is consistent with that vision. It is the result of a partnership with local government that is unprecedented in transport decision-making."
Ms Beyer said that Auckland's problems are the problems of the whole country. "We can't afford to be parochial when congestion there costs the country nearly $1 billion a year. This package gives us not only more money but also an important set of tools to improve the whole country's current systems. We will all ultimately benefit. This approach ensures the costs of those benefits are shared by those most directly benefiting - road users."
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