My Account
Brilliant buses
I commend Auckland Transport for our new bus service linking the Warkworth region to Auckland. It’s a pleasure to ride the new buses and see people of all ages enjoying this new option for mobility. For those who haven’t used the service, I encourage you to give it a go. Leave the car behind and help reduce traffic congestion. No worries about car parking and you can leave the stress of negotiating Hill Street to your friendly driver. The bus service means our household can now sell off a vehicle, joining the trend of declining vehicle ownership, which has seen the number of cars in Auckland fall by 4,000 in the last 12 months. By providing transport options in addition to the car, Auckland Transport is addressing traffic congestion in the most efficient, effective and equitable manner.
Bevan Woodward, Warkworth
Two right
Perhaps some perspective is worthwhile when one considers the cost of four lanes versus two for the Matakana link road (MM September 19). This section of road runs a mere 1.4km before its intended connection to the two-lane Matakana Road. This will take about one minute to travel at 80km/h. So is it worth $27 million to move four lanes of traffic 1.4km further along the road, only to have them converge into two lanes at Matakana Road? Chris Murphy and Dave Parker (MM October 3) think only in terms of cars, roads and growth. But growth should include growth in options to walk, cycle and use public transport. When these options are provided, they get used. When they are used there are less vehicles on the roads. We have to start somewhere and repurposing $27 million seems like a really good place to start.
Bo Blazey, Warkworth
Rural rebels
Do I sniff a rebellion arising? Rural ratepayers in Rodney are deeply aggrieved by a decision of our Council to defer spending on sealing our metalled rural roads. This despite assurances to the contrary and following the imposition of a raft of additional road-related charges, increases in the petrol tax and of general rates. A sum of $120 million was earmarked for rural road sealing over 10 years. This is Council spin, for it turns out that this financial year, a paltry $1.2 million is being appropriated for sealing, the balance being pushed forward into the never-never with no assurances that later Councils will decide otherwise.
Glen Ashton of Ahuroa (MM September 19) has done a great job of holding Council feet to the fire. He deserves our wholehearted support.
Larry Mitchell, Puhoi
