MP for Botany Jami-Lee Ross has raised concerns over the new Government’s commitment to continuing the AMETI project.
Ross is calling for Minister of Transport Phil Twyford to make his priorities clear on the Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative [AMETI].
“In a response to a question I put to [the Minister] this afternoon (Tuesday, December 12), the Minister would not confirm whether AMETI remained a priority for this Government.
“That’s not good enough. This is a hugely important project which would transform the transport network in East Auckland and the Minister should be backing it.”
The opening of the Panmure Train and Bus station and Te Horeta Rd and tunnel marked the completion of the first stage of AMETI.
Ross said the Minister must confirm whether the next stages of the Panmure to Pakuranga busway, Reeves Rd flyover and the Pakuranga to Botany busway will go ahead and remain on schedule.
“There are 150,000 people currently waiting for progress on these projects which appear to be at risk,” he said.
“East Auckland has no motorway, no state highway and no railway – we need AMETI to ensure transport opportunities into the future.
“That is why AMETI is already one of the highest priorities for the Auckland Transport Alignment Project. It is a shame it is not such a clear priority for this Government.”
Transport Minister Phil Twyford says: “The Labour-led Government has not altered any existing projects except Auckland’s East-West link.
“Work on the AMETI is continuing unchanged and the National Party is simply scaremongering to suggest otherwise.”
