Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

TRANSPORT POLICY
Our vision
An effective transport system lies at the heart of our quality of life. It is also at the core of any
modern, efficient economy. An effective transport system must therefore be integrated and
work across all modes.
Labour‟s transport policy is about improving the lives of our citizens, increasing the
prospects of economic stakeholders and protecting New Zealand‟s environment.
The challenge is to find modes of travel that cause as little damage as possible to the
environment, that minimise harmful effects on others, and that also minimise travel time and
cost. These transport systems must be accessible to all New Zealanders, and they must also
remain affordable. It doesn‟t make sense if driving a car becomes cheaper than taking the
bus.
We will plan for the coming challenges of climate change, fuel shortages, and price
fluctuations through a range of initiatives including more efficient public transport, new
technologies and new fuels and provide support for active travel (walking and cycling). In the
medium term we will work to plan our cities better so that there is a reduced need to travel.
We will keep investing in vital roading infrastructure, in building the capacity of public
transport, and in enabling rail and coastal shipping to play a more significant role in moving
freight around New Zealand. But we will not waste money on unnecessary highways that
lock us into a high-carbon future.
One of Labour‟s key commitments will be to support the Auckland Council in developing its
proposed City Centre Rail Link.
Public transport
Labour is a public transport party. New Zealanders deserve genuine transport choices:
public transport, active transport as well as car travel. We believe that if New Zealanders
are to move towards more sustainable transport, we must create a public transport system
that is a realistic alternative to private car use. Labour has played a critical role in addressing
public transport issues in Wellington and Auckland. We are proud of this record and Kiwis
are positive about such investments.
Quality public transport is not only critical to helping our economy develop but it can make a
big difference to people‟s lives and their health. It will aid in transport demand management,
which will play a crucial role in reducing congestion as cities develop.
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