Charges little use without public transport

Congestion charges little use without public transportation

NEW ZEALAND – The release of the Auckland Road Pricing Evaluation Study today has once again highlighted the need for a high quality public transport system in Auckland, Green Party Associate Transport Spokesperson Keith Locke says.

The Ministry of Transport study explored a number of road pricing options for Auckland, including congestion charges within inner-city areas.

“New thinking on Auckland’s transport woes and moves to reduce congestion are always welcome, but implementing any of the report’s options before a fast, reliable public transport system is in place would be putting the cart before the horse, to use an old transport analogy,” Mr Locke says.

“There is little point in trying to reduce congestion with charges or tolls unless there is a viable public transport alternative available to drivers. Overseas experience shows that congestion charges can be very successful, but only when coupled with excellent public transport.

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