That's all very well but surely by increasing the tolls motorists will use alternative routes and refrain from paying the increased toll.
Surely the name of the game is to get more people to use the toll road. So why put the price up? As consumers, we are faced with price rises all the time.
If it's not a rates rise, it's a rise in the price of petrol or increases in groceries and the general cost of living.
I bet there aren't too many people who have had a pay rise in the past 6 to 12 months. So why put the price of the tolls up?
Apparently Route K lost $2.5 million last year and was heading towards another $2.5 million loss this year because the lift in revenue from more vehicles would mainly be spent servicing the interest on last year's debt increase.
Since the road was opened in 2003, the project has been left with a $60 million debt burden.
I know I have mentioned this before but one definite way to get more people to use the toll road is to allow access from the 15th Ave area. Again, I go back to my old argument ... build it and they will come.
It's quite ridiculous that the nearest entry point to the Route K from the 15th Ave area is from Elizabeth St and by raising the toll price, I think motorists will be inclined to find another way out.
It also amazes me the number of large trucks that don't use the toll road to gain access to Mount Maunganui. Obviously they pay more for using the road and by taking another alternative route they are saving on tolls.
The council is now looking for ways to promote and market Route K and is looking for initiatives to encourage people to use it. Here's one. Don't raise the tolls.
***
The other piece of news that caught my eye was the latest plans for the Mount Hot Pools.
Again, our city's mothers and fathers have unanimously agreed to get some work done as quickly as possible on the hot pools, so guess what?
The pools are going to get a facelift, which will include two sun umbrellas, some locker replacement and some painting.
Hang on a minute. Weren't the pools closed recently for quite some time for remedial work? Why couldn't those jobs have been done then? This seems absolutely crazy.
One of the few jewels in our crown of local attractions is going to be shut over one of the busiest times of the year seems absolutely absurd.
The Mount Hot Pools is a brilliant facility and it needs more than a lick of paint and a few new lockers and a couple of sun shades.
We need to invest in those pools and make them the best in New Zealand. I know there are plans for that facility but there are one or two people who are against it.
Take a look at the TECT Arena at Bay Park. A brilliant stadium.
Now it's up and running we are getting some wonderful events and will continue to over many, many years.
Do the same to the hot pools and thousands of locals and tourists alike will use them.
