Use $500m for end of cheap oil, say Greens

Jeanette Fitzsimons

The Green Party wants the bulk of a half-billion-dollar transport injection announced yesterday used to prepare for the end of cheap oil.

"It's vital that we don't just pour this money into endless motorways - as the National Party would do if it had its way," said Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.

"As fuel prices rise and climate change bites, it is imperative that New Zealanders have a viable alternative to turn to."

Ms Fitzsimons said New Zealand needed to ensure that public transport and the rail system were adequate for "the inevitable rise in demand that will happen when using the family car becomes unaffordable".