User talk:Jenandpaul

I am a keen supporter of improving Auckland Public Transport system and its roading infrastructure (in that order). Driving cars should be seen as a privilege as long as a realistic alternative exists. I see the lack of investment in public transport equally shared in the hands of the Labour & National Governments of the last 40 years though funding has improved in the term of the current Labour government this has been a result of the benefits of over taxing rather than prudent fiscally responsibility and no doubt buying green votes rather than having this as a core policy. Both parties in recent times have expressed a new green leaning which should hopefully mean a better future for many of the projects talked about on this site. Unfortunately Aucklanders also need to look at their choice of Mayor for that time period and councils that continued not to support improvements in Auckland’s public transport infrastructure. Auckland had a golden chance to expand its rail network, at a reasonable cost, in the late sixties and early seventies before and as new suburbs in the east and north were being established but failed to do so (1960 2 Labour Goverments and 2 National Goverments) see the bottom of the page for changes in government Prime Minister of New Zealand.

City role models -

Singapore, London, Brisbane & Sydney

Pet hates for transportation solutions -

Light rail - Having lived in London when the DLR was first opened it ran and still runs as a toy railway that is too slow and costly to upgrade (original cost to build was GBP77m [] to upgrade its capacity GBP200m) it is overused as a solution for many transport systems. Real growth of the area occurred when the higher speed and volume Jubilee line extension was added. Suggesting it being used in Auckland where distances are great and city growth plans lacking in would be very short sited.

Funding Solution

Fund transport contruction with PPP's and City Bonds, once total system in place charge motorist on a congestion basis to encourage the use of public transport and price the impact of road usage on congestion.