Public to have their say on ARC rate bills

By STUART DYE, transport reporter

Auckland Regional Council's promised review of its rates will be launched early next month.

A series of open days will focus on the transport demand - which makes up 57 per cent of the total rate.

A questionnaire will also be sent to ratepayers asking who should pay for transport, and in what proportion.

"There has been considerable debate over transport rates in recent months and this review is about implementing a system that is fair to everyone," said ARC chairwoman Gwen Bull.

The authority was besieged for 17 days in July as angry ratepayers launched a revolt after increases as high as 657 per cent.

Councillors eventually promised to review the rating system.

The transport rates review, which is expected to take several months, will involve evaluating ways transport rates can and should be spread across the region.

At present, the bill helps pay for subsidised services, rail improvements, Total Mobility services, public transport information and transport planning.

The ARC is considering alternatives such as whether public transport costs be spread regionally, based on a user-pays system, bigger bills for urban ratepayers and different charges for businesses.

Feedback and comments from the public will be combined with information from computer modelling and policy development to enable ARC councillors to decide on an option for the 2004-05 draft annual plan.

Open days will be held from 10am to 4pm on the following dates:

Sat, Nov 1 - Elizabeth Campbell Function Centre, Papakura.

Sun, Nov 2 - Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.

Sat, Nov 8 - Jubilee Hall, Parnell.

Sat, Nov 15 - Onehunga Community Centre.

Sun, Nov 16 - Kelston Community Centre.

Sat, Nov 22 - Greyhound Function Centre, Manukau City.

Sun, Nov 23 - Kumeu Community Centre.

Sat, Nov 29 - Orewa Community Hall.

There will be an extra day on Tuesday, November 18, at Pukekohe Town Hall Concert Chamber, from 3.30pm to 7pm.

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