Celebrities climb aboard free-bus campaign

By ELIZABETH BINNING

Celebrities concerned about Auckland's traffic problems have added their names to a petition for free public transport.

The petition, which calls for thousands of free buses around Auckland, was launched last night with the backing of 145 celebrities, academics and community leaders.

Organised by RAM (Residents Action Movement), the free-bus proposal works on the basis that some of the Government funding targeted for roading projects could instead buy 3000 new buses which would run for free.

RAM member and Auckland Regional Councillor Robyn Hughes said $5.2 billion had been set aside for roadworks over the next six years, and most of it would come from the Government.

Two-fifths of it could cover the set-up and running costs of a free bus service.

The key to the proposal would be that the buses would be frequent enough to be available whenever people needed them.

Heavyweight boxer David Tua and hip-hop artist Che Fu are just two of the big names adding their support.

All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting, who lives in Muriwai, is also pushing for free public transport.

"I just think there's too much congestion on the roads at the moment," he said. "We see so many people, as I am at the moment, driving by themselves in cars. I think if we had more reliable public transport then it obviously would be a deterrent for people to take their own vehicles."

RAM organiser Grant Morgan said endorsements were flowing in every day, indicating that "free and frequent buses was an idea whose time had almost come".

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard said he could not yet comment on the petition because he had not heard about it from the regional council and he did not know the cost implications of the proposal.

But he said he strongly supported public transport as a way of easing Auckland's traffic problems.

"I gave a commitment very clearly to the electorate that on day one I would be talking transport and I am doing a huge amount of work behind the scenes at the moment with [various groups] to look at exactly what can be done and how it can be done."

The petition will be presented to the Regional Land Transport Committee at its public hearing in June.

Who's supporting free buses

Sporting figures: David Tua, former All Black Waka Nathan, All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting.

Entertainers: including hiphop artist Che Fu, singer/songwriter Chris Knox, comedian Jeremy Elwood, and singer/songwriter Don McGlashan.

Community leaders: representatives of Grey Power, Barnardos, Peace Foundation, civil libertarians and community workers.

Local body politicians: including Auckland City councillor Richard Simpson and Papakura councillor Peter Jones.