"The real issue facing public transport is how to get more people to use it. With less than 10 percent of all trips made by bus and a similar number by cycling, over 80 percent of all journeys in the city are made by car," Jim Anderton said.
"Research has repeatedly shown that the real reason people are not using public transport is inconvenience and unreliability. Christchurch's buses often run late. Bus Lanes are the Council's solution, but it has taken twelve years to get just three in place.
"The building of an expensive new central city underground interchange won't get the buses running on time or grow passenger numbers, particularly when the underground exchange will not attract government funding and will be at the expense of suburban interchanges which are crucial if we are to make bus transport a more attractive proposition."
Jim Anderton's affordable solution is to install bus lanes between the major suburban shopping malls and the central city, combined with feeder services every 5 minutes between the city and the malls to reduce waiting times and make it easier and more attractive for people to travel by public transport.
Note: The times that bus lanes will be open have to be carefully negotiated with local retail businesses to avoid putting them under unreasonable pressure because of the potential loss of customer access.
With regard to light rail, Jim Anderton considers that without the population required, light rail is an expensive fantasy.
"A train from Rangiora, would get used in the morning and evening rush hours, but is likely to be empty for the rest of the day. Whilst Selwyn and Waimakariri residents might like a rail service, their Councils may be reluctant to pay the $100M or more required to implement the scheme in their districts. Christchurch City's rate payers should not be expected to pay for a service they are unlikely to use," Jim Anderton said.
"Even cities around the world with a population base of millions, need to obtain significant funding from state and federal governments. But Christchurch is unlikely to be able to attract such subsidies for light rail in the immediate future. We can, however, move forward with a modern, accessible, reliable and comfortable bus system which will see our needs met for as far into the future as we can realistically forecast.
"We should not cut out options for a future light rail system but it should not be part of our immediate planning horizon," Jim Anderton said.
[For further information, phone Jim Anderton on 021 777 680 or Jacqui McCabe (campaign press secretary) on 021 251 1801]




Karolin is an educator in the Human Rights Commission, a JP and a current community board member. Concerns are gaps between those who have and do not and the environment.

Judy is a current Community Board member for the Riccarton - Wigram ward. She is involved in a number of other organisations for youth, education and the wider community.




Jasmin has strong experience working in the health sector. She is one of our youngest candidates and possesses a vibrant personality and a positive attitude.

Islay lives in Linwood. She loves the area and wants to restore the community and environmental values that once had Christchurch residents proud to live here.

Tracey is a dynamic, energetic woman with several years of community involvement. She is willing to stand up for the underdog and speak for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Julie is a Correspondence School liaison teacher and has served as a deputy and acting principal at a local school. She wants to represent an area she has been part of for 40 years.




A board member for three years, Linda has a Community Service Award and is on Keep Christchurch Beautiful and Civil Defence. The environment and safe, happy communities are concerns for her.




