Transport Minister Steven Joyce has acknowledged the importance of Canterbury/Christchurch to the New Zealand economy, during a recent meeting with the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee & Local Mayors.
Mr Joyce acknowledged a history of under investment in Canterbury transport infrastructure, which is excellent to see. The level of investment in Canterbury transport over the last fifty years or so has been very poor when compared to Auckland and Wellington. It’s certainly encouraging to finally hear that the Government is aware of the issue and is committed to investing in the regions transport system.
Mr Joyce also made a rather interesting comment about rail, criticising Auckland & Wellington’s systems for not paying their full costs, and cautioning that for rail connections between Christchurch and its satellite towns, the numbers need to stack up and long-term costs afforded.
I find the former comment on the Auckland & Wellington’s rail systems slightly unfair and ignorant, but this has been commented on in other blogs. His comments about rail in Christchurch are very interesting, and suggests to me that there might be a bit of lobbying going on behind the scenes. I can only speculate, but I feel for the minister to make such a comment on this issue, it would not simply be a response to recent local media buzz.
Keeping key transport issues, beyond the ‘Roads of National Significance’, in the ministers sights, such as public transport, is important according to the meetings chair Cr Jo Kane. I agree. With the hundreds of millions recently spent on Auckland & Wellington’s respective rail systems, it must be about time Christchurch got its fair share.
marsoe
Christchurch Transport Blog 
marsoe
April 19, 2010
I recall from somewhere (?!) that for every $1 Canterbury contributed, it only got around $0.57 back.
Jeremy Harris
May 2, 2010
That is pretty standard for urban areas…
jhumm
May 2, 2010
Probably not standard for Auckland and Wellington though…
Jeremy Harris
May 2, 2010
I think Auckland got about 60c on the dollar back in the 80s and 90s, be higher at the moment, not having a viable commuter service probably hurts but if things were fair this should go into the bus service, with buses Christchurch could easily have the best PT in the country…
This NZTA research report talks about ChCh PT potential from page 33 on, very interesting:
Click to access 396.pdf
Jeremy Harris
May 2, 2010
*Christchurch not having a viable commuter service probably hurts at the moment, but if things were fair the equivalent Government rail upgrade spending should go into the bus service,
Jeremy Harris
May 2, 2010
*commuter rail service,
Lol third time’s the charm…
jhumm
May 2, 2010
Agreed! Even a more modest sum would go a long way, perhaps holding the rest until a plan for rapid transit & integrated network is finalised. But no, even bus lanes get cut…