Aucklanders could be paying 10 cents more at the pump within months, new transport minister Phil Twyford says.
Speaking on the AM Show, Twyford outlined plans to introduce a regional fuel tax for the city in the next four or five months.
“Auckland Council have said they want it. It’s going to contribute about 10% of the $15 billion, ten-year programme we’ve committed to, to get Auckland moving again,” he says.
The council has talked about introducing a regional fuel tax for several years, but needs a change in government legislation to allow it.
The money will help fund projects like light rail from the city to Auckland Airport.
Twyford is also talking up a commuter rail service between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.
He hopes to introduce the service within a year, but needs to consult with officials to confirm timeframes.
“We made a commitment during the campaign for regional rail in the golden triangle. It’s crazy we’re not opening up development opportunities in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.”
