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Irish Limerick Councillor calls for Green Routes Plan to stay

Irish Green Party rep Trish Forde-Brennan has expressed surprise that the Limerick Green Routes Plan has been delayed by two years.

She says, "There seems to be a lack of joined up thinking when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and finding alternative transport options for the city and suburbs... As oil becomes more expensive, every single one of us will be looking for ways to reduce the cost of travelling.

The Green Party prioritises public transport because it is cheaper, more efficient, reduces carbon emission and traffic problems".

New Zealand co-leader asks for walking and bike routes on new bridge

New Zealand's Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has asked Transit New Zealand to include walking and biking routes, when they begin strengthening the New Zealand Harbour Bridge clip-ons in July 2008. She says, "Transit has always had a narrow focus on building highways for cars. Now, with petrol costs rising rapidly, and facing an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, Transit needs to think about how it can enable people to get around without cars. The project to strengthen the clip-ons is a major undertaking. Adding a walking and cycling pathway at a later date would ultimately cost more, and it might not take place for years. Aucklanders shouldn't be forced to drive across the bridge, when they could have the option of walking or cycling".

NZ Greens praise rail and ferry transport

Jeanette Fitzsimons, Green Party co-leader in New Zealand, has been speaking of the government's decision to buy back some rail and ferry stock. She says, "The Green Party looks forward to a time when many of today's big trucks are off the roads and there are many more trains and coastal stops instead. We also look forward to the reinstatement of long distance passenger rail services so that New Zealanders can still travel when airfares rise further as results of fuel prices".

Deputy Wales Leader calling for cheaper bus fares

John Matthews (Wales Deputy Green Party Leader) is asking the Transport Minister to pay the overdue 2p rebate and the upcoming 2p rebate on fuel duty (like the English government has done) to stop bus fares rising by 10%, as this will impact poorer communities (especially those in rural areas) who cannot afford alternative forms of transport.

John says, "The failure of the Assembly to pay the bill will mean, for some bus passengers, the third increase in just over a year. It does nothing to encourage people to use public transport. Rail fares have risen by 6% and bus fares by 13%. It flies in the face of the Assembly's commitment to sustainable development".