Media statement | 30 June 2008

Public transport improvements a priority for Wellington region in 2008/09 NLTP

Passenger transport system improvements are a key priority for the Wellington region in the 2008/09 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

Land Transport NZ today announced $2.7 billion in transport spending for New Zealand in the 2008/09 NLTP, including nearly $300 million allocated for investment in Wellington’s land transport network.

A total of $129 million has been allocated to Wellington’s passenger transport operations and total mobility activities for 2008/09. Initiatives to accelerate Wellington’s passenger rail improvements will continue with $74.2 million committed over the coming year.

Land Transport NZ Central region Partnerships Manager Ian Hunter says more than 31,000 commuters a day currently use the region’s passenger transport system to get to and from work. Demand on the system is expected to continue rising in the face of increasing fuel prices, and the past year has seen refurbishment of the Wellington-Wairarapa line rolling stock and the ordering of 70 new electric multiple units.

Passenger transport projects that may commence during 2008/09 include:

• upgrades to power supply and signalling, platforms and stations, required for the introduction of 70 new electric multiple units
• the proposed extension of electric train services from Paraparaumu to Waikanae
• double-tracking of the Western line from Mackay’s Crossing to Waikanae

Almost $46 million has been allocated for road maintenance in the region, an increase of $10 million over 2007/08. Of this, $25 million will be spent maintaining local roads and $20 million on state highways. A further $24 million has been allocated for road policing activities in the Wellington region.

NLTP funding has been committed to progress ongoing projects in the Wellington region including:

• construction of the Dowse to Petone project on SH2 to improve safety and efficiency
• design and construction of bus priority measures in Wellington city
• the final stages of investigations for the Kapiti Western Link Road.

In the past year NLTP funding has seen the successful completion of the following projects:

• extensions of the wire rope median barrier on the coastal section of SH1 between Paekakariki and Pukerua Bay
• station upgrades on the Wairarapa line
• earthquake strengthening of road retaining walls in the Ngaio Gorge in Wellington city
• preliminary investigation into a preferred route for Transmission Gully.

Nearly $1.5 million has been allocated to allow councils to work with communities to develop and deliver safe and sustainable local transport activities.

Mr Hunter says the activities funded through the NLTP reflect Land Transport NZ’s objective of contributing to an integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system.

Regional newsletters, a fact sheet and the NLTP book, which details all projects in the 2008/09 NLTP, will be available at www.landtransport.govt.nz/funding/nltp/2008/ from 6pm today.

For more information:

Ian Hunter
Partnership Manager, Central
(04) 931 8900 or 0274 506 966