As reported in this TVNZ News item, angry East Coast residents say the decision to close the line was based on inaccurate
economic data (if it was done by the Treasury that is sure to be the case), and they are taking it on themselves to raise cash
for an independent economic analysis.
Campaign leader and Gisborne District city councillor Manu
Caddie said the figures used for justifying the closure did not
"stack up".
"We're confident that an independent report is going to show
that the line is viable and there's good economic case to keep it
open."
A Facebook page dedicated to rallying
support has more than 900 members, and the campaign raised
$5000, half the target, in 24 hours.
(Incidentially, calling it "a last ditch attempt" is typical TV One; the line has actually been closed since the damage caused by storms in March [not May] and Steven Joyce & Company have simply rubbed their hands in glee with the opportunity for that to become permanent while they spend megabucks on the road.)
Seems the "get rid of rail'' Govt virus is spreading to USA, with Election hopeful Romney on a similar path if elected.
ReplyDeleteAt least in America all the freight railroads are privately owned and own all their own land - in fact Union Pacific is the second biggest land owner in the USA after the Federal Government.
ReplyDeletePassenger trains, however, are nearly all government owned and thus are a political football as they are everywhere. What politicians say to get votes from important constituents before an election and what they actually do in office are often different things though.