By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor
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Tuesday 11th December 2001 |
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Wellington Regional Council has published details of an opinion poll showing that two thirds of the public support its plans to buy the rail service, with only 13% opposed to the idea.
"That's a five to one ratio in favour," says council chairperson Margaret Shields "This result shows strong public endorsement for the regional council's approach.
"The public have clearly grasped the fact that we must take action to save our passenger rail service from further decline. Given that the regional council already subsidises the system with $17 million of public money every year it seems sensible that we should have some ownership interest."
The poll also shows Wellingtonians favour a mix of private and public ownership, with 54% supporting the joint venture concept.
"This option will lower the financial and operational risk to the council, as the private-sector partner will be asked to commit money and experience to the joint venture," says councillor Shields.
Tranz Rail is selling the Wellington passenger rail business as it diverts its attention to its freight and interisland businesses.
The company originally planned to get out of passenger rail altogether but has subsequently kept its finger in the pie via a holding in a company which has purchased the tourist passenger subsidiary, Trans Scenic.
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