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The Green Party launched a petition that calls for the Government to remove legislative barriers of public ownership to public transport depots, vehicles and services.

It is a factor to reduce climate pollution as part of New Zealand’s initiated Climate Emergency — but hopes to get anywhere could require more action from the Party.

To create quality public transport in the notion of dropping emissions is of question.

Source: CC/ Facebook

“Public transport is an essential service, and it makes sense for it to be publicly owned,” Green Party spokesperson for Transport Julie Anne Genter said.

“Good public transport is crucial for reducing climate pollution, connecting our communities and making our cities more liveable.”

“But there are legislative barriers in the way of public ownership of our public transport, which means councils must contract out to private companies that prioritise profit over all else.”

The fallout of private ownership overseas regarding Wellington’s Bus Network by Australian private equity firm Next Capital continues to see more cancelled services.

Bus drivers have fought for fair work and pay conditions, but it has taken too long to show that a for-profit model is still in dispute.

“We support the bus drivers in their pursuit for better work and pay conditions, and this should be the norm. The needs of our community – for reliable bus services and fair pay for our drivers – should come before the profits of private equity firms,” Julie Anne Genter said.

“We are calling on the Government to remove these barriers so our public transport here in Wellington and around Aotearoa, can be run by the community, for the community, not for profit.”

Source: CC/thisquality

The Land Transport Management Act of public transport is being called to be a for-profit service so Councils can qualify for land transport funding within the central Government.

Law changes are being pleaded so that current bus contacts expire, giving Councils the option to provide not-for-profit public transport services without giving up other transport funding.

Image: SUPPLIED/CC/Sam Hudson [Wgtn]

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