Government 'failing' to deal with Auckland transport

The Government is being criticised for not putting more money into Auckland's rail network.

The Transport Agency yesterday announced $4.2 billion of transport spending in the city over the next three years- but only only 5 percent of that will be spent on bus or rail infrastructure.

The agency's funding has to align with the Government's transport strategy which favours roads over public transport.

Labour Party spokesman on Auckland issues Phil Goff said the Government should have let the agency put money towards the central rail link.

"There's no money going into the City Rail link and that's what's needed to increase the capacity of Auckland rail.

"Without that, with 20 percent growth in patronage that we currently have, we are very close to having congestion at the Britomart Station.

Green Party transport spokesperson Julie-Ann Genter said the Government was failing to deal with Auckland's transport problems.

"The investment in rail and bus infrastructure is paltry, it's non-existent. It's not going to make a difference in how Kiwis get around."

Patrick Reynolds, who writes for the Transport Blog, said the relentless march to spend as much money on every road in sight was "continuing unabated".

Auckland Mayor Len Brown said he would forward with developing the city rail link despite the Government not offering to boost funding.

Of the $14 billion being spent around the country, almost $2 billion is planned for spending on public transport - a 21 percent increase on three years ago.