Mainfreight chief executive Don Braid has criticised KiwiRail and Auckland Transport for not doing enough to support freight efficiency as fuel prices rise.
Braid, speaking to RNZ, says shifting freight from road to rail could help reduce fuel use, but claims KiwiRail has not stepped up to offer additional services.
“They’re missing in action at the moment, and we would like to see them stand up to help the industry,” he told RNZ’s Morning Report.
Braid says Mainfreight has been engaging with KiwiRail but has not seen sufficient action.
“We are trying, but [we’re] frustrated to be perfectly honest.”
In response, KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy says the company is working to support customers and reduce fuel use.
“KiwiRail is sharply focused on helping New Zealand get through this,” Reidy told RNZ, adding the company is working with customers daily and has already made hundreds of containers available.
Braid also says Auckland Transport should consider measures such as allowing freight vehicles to use bus lanes to improve efficiency.
“Think about the amount of diesel idling that goes on because we can’t use a bus lane.”
However, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown rejected the idea, saying it would worsen congestion and suggesting more freight could move at night instead.
“Get the trucks on the road at night … it’s a lot cheaper to pick up a container at night than the daytime,” Brown told RNZ.
