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2095 days ago

Look At Aucklands Trains !

Graeme from Frankton

Over the last few months , I have taken a lot more interest in the Trains , sparked by the crazy proposal to spend at least $78 million to take 30-40 commuters a day to Papakura and back . It makes no sense , no matter how you try and justify it .

A couple of people have said 'Look at how Auckland has turned the trains around' , and how many passengers they get . So I thought I'd have a look at Auckland Transport's latest reports , and it's amazing what you can learn , or what can be hidden .

Auckland Transport runs the buses , the trains , bike lanes , carparking , all sorts of transport options . Actually , it looks like they contract most of those out . So their published accounts are very hard to pinpoint .

But here's an overview --

$467.5 million 'improving' public transport -- whatever the hell that means ?
$120.8 million improving roading .
$20 million improving parking .

Their 'operating funding' was $536.072 million -- that is ticket sales for buses , trains , parking meters and carparks .

Their expenditure was $1.892 BILLION !

The shortfall came from Auckland Council ( rates ) $480.485million and NZTA ( $205.231 million ) and finance revenue $617.42million .

Yes -- they spent 3 times as much as users paid . And yes , they borrowed nearly $620 million ! We are talking Auckland Transport -- a part of the Auckland Council . I wonder how much the entire council borrowed ?

I'm no great financial mastermind , but isn't this a bit like running a trucking company , charging out $600 , but it costs you $1800 to chrge that $600 , so you borrow some , and get some off your Uncle ?

Anyway , that is Auckland's concerns , but the point is -- their so-called model of how transport should be run , pointed out by a couple of Neighbourly people , is decided stuffed . You cannot run a business , or a transport network , if it costs you $3 for every $1 you get in -- that is stupid ! You can do a 'promotion' for a couple of weeks to get people interested , but there is absolutely no point using that as your business case . And even crazier -- why borrow to pay for these loses ?

So lets hope that with an upcoming election , here in Hamilton we get some people with a few business skills . Can the commuter train . Look at the buses , see which lose money , see if they can be turned around or changed , and balance that with a social need . I doubt if many people would begrudge a bus service ( or a train service -- although I doubt any will work around the Waikato ) losing a few dollars if it is being used , but if it costs 3 times what it earns ( like Auckland ) , or 8 times what it earns ( like the Commuter train ) , then don't even trial it .

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.4% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.4% Complete
  • 20.4% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20.4% Complete
  • 7.7% Keep it as is
    7.7% Complete
  • 32.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.5% Complete
  • 10.6% Anything but fireworks
    10.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1781 votes
20 hours ago

Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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5 hours ago

Poll: Do you want the water tower to stay?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Cambridge may not have to say goodbye to its historic water tower just yet as the council investigates a new, more affordable, way to preserve it.

However its final fate may rest on the outcome of a new detailed seismic assessment due to be completed by the end of the year.

Do you want the water tower to stay? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you want the water tower to stay?
  • 83.3% Yes
    83.3% Complete
  • 16.7% Not sure
    16.7% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
6 votes