The Dominion Post leads today with an article suggesting that private funds or a PPP type scheme might be the solution to the funding gap around Transmission Gully.
If only things were so simple. Unfortunataly the numbers don't really stack up. Tolling would not generate enough return to attract this type of investment from the private sector.
Where a PPP project will work is the road network to the airport. On this we agree fully with Poneke in his post today. We need improvements in public transport AND a proper road link to the airport. We are not sure that "light rail" is necessarily the answer on the public transport side (it is very expensive for the results achieved) but we are open to careful consideration being given to it. But this cannot be the sole response to Wellington's congestion problem. The fact is that roading demand is going to continue to grow - particularly after new more environmentally friendly technologies become mainstream. It would be totally irresponsible, as a Green party sponsored initiative is suggesting (the Greens are circulating 20,000 postcards opposing new tunnels), to essentially restrict new expenditure to light rail, dedicated bus lanes, cycle lanes and pedestrian improvements. The current Mt.Vic tunnel is operating beyond its theoretical capacity. We need a new tunnel there and we probably need another tunnel under the Terrace. Fortunately the traffic flows on these routes are much larget than Transmission Gully, so the private sector could build these tunnels.
If you agree with the need for a better roading link between the airport and the city in Wellington we strongly encourage readers to make a submission. This can be done easily through the online submission form linked here. We simply can't allow the Greens to sabotage our economy in this way. They have already caused a mess over the inner city by-pass. The average Wellington needs take a stand for progress.
