KEY POINTS:
The Green Party wants a light rail system to run all the way through Wellington out to the airport.
Green MP Sue Kedgley caught a bus to launch her party's transport plan for Wellington today after trains from Johnsonville were briefly cancelled because of line maintenance.
She said the strategy aimed to eliminate congestion in Wellington, make public transport affordable, and reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
"Wellington desperately needs more trains, more buses, and better public transport," Ms Kedgley said.
"We will double central government funding available for public transport infrastructure so that ratepayers and public transport users aren't unfairly burdened with the costs of expanding services.
"Currently, the Government spends only 20 cents on public transport for every $1 it spends on roads."
Ms Kedgley said the light rail network needed to be compatible with existing lines.
Stage one would see light rail link Johnsonville and Courtenay Place, costing $70 million, to be completed by 2011. Next would be Lower Hutt to Wellington Hospital, $100m, by 2015 and lastly Plimmerton to the airport, $250m, by 2016.
The project would cost half that of Transmission Gully.
Other planks in the strategy included:
* A cycle/walk trail right around the harbour;
* Lower speed limits in urban areas;
* Cheaper fares including $1 off peak fares, discounts for students, children and beneficiaries and a smart card that could be used on all public transport;
* Improvements to the existing rail network - including extending electric rail from Upper Hutt to Masterton and on the Kapiti Coast up to Otaki - and duplication in some areas to allow more frequent services;
* Better bus maintenance; an integrated bus-taxi service at night-time; priority for buses over other traffic; and
* Urban planning with access to public transport a priority.
Ms Kedgley said the plan would make the city more people friendly.
A Tranz Metro spokesman said trains were up and running again shortly after 10am.
"It just happened to be that Sue Kedgley's train was one of those caught in the bus replacement but we still got her into Wellington."
- NZPA
