The debacle that is the light rail project up Dominion Road has been electrocuted. The hoped for Streetcar named Desire is no more and it appears it is thanks to Winston Peters. Well, I’ll happily stand first in the queue to thank him. If ever there was a dumb idea, and there have been many from this lot, this would take Ardern’s daughter’s birthday cake. Perhaps it could play “The Wheels on the Tram” song. Why on earth would you waste billions on an idea when a better one is already in place at no cost to the taxpayer?
Skybus picks up from all the major CBD city hotels and, would you believe it, runs frequently up Dominion Road to the airport. It also runs a service to Albany. So why on earth would any traveller cart luggage to a tram stop when there is a bus at the door. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence, when weighing up the two, would know the tram was a no-go. Of course the reason for the tram has changed now and again to suit the narrative. First it was for commuters, then it was for workers and travellers going to the airport.
Winston has saved the country another bucketload of wasteful expenditure. Our taxes appear to be no more than play money to this mob. The Mayor, Phil Goff, says he’s “frustrated” and “disappointed” at the decision. Why? There are dozens of double decker buses up and down that road for which verandas had to be raised to accommodate them at a cost to the ratepayers. Mayor Goff predictably reflects the inexpert thinking of the left when it comes to economic management.
Ardern is shrugging it off as the consequence of it being an MMP Government. She’s not altogether wrong but, in her case, MMP might more accurately stand for a Muddle headed Misbegotten Posse of individuals the likes of which we hope to never see again. Light rail will evidently now become an election issue. Slow learners, aren’t they. What’s the bet Kiwibuild will also be an election issue. They really are that stupid.
For all of National’s faults, they are without a doubt the better economic managers. Winston, if he returns after the election, needs to exit stage left and get on the right side of the political divide. The problem for him will be he won’t be given such a free rein by National. Todd Muller said the Government is tearing itself apart. Yes, but I hope he also realises it’s the price you pay for coalescing with Winston. National need to have a plan in place to deal with him should the need arise.
Reaction from the Greens was predictable. A mix of annoyance and stupidity. Julie Anne Genter was first out of the blocks; tweeting this was good news as it means the project can proceed as previously planned. To come to that conclusion she either has to be an Einstein or thick as two planks. I’ll go for the latter. James Shaw said it was a slap in the face for all Aucklanders.
Thanks James. Best slap in the face I’ve had all year.
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