Transit Tolls on Western Ring Route

**ManDownUnder** · 19th October 2006, 09:53

Details here.

In short
1) They want to build tolled roads around the place
2) They keep the tolls in place for 35 years until the money they borrow is paid back
3) Up to 50% of the money collected through tolls goes in admin fees (per yesterday's NZ Herald)
4) They intend to put in ramp signalling at all interchanges (WHY IN GOD'S NAME DO THAT. Ever used the one in Mangere?
5) Off peak tolls are between 50 and 75% of peak tolls. (I thought they were only going to toll for peak times... )

At least it'll be painless... tui anyone?

**Whynot** · 19th October 2006, 10:04

why not use some of the 11.5 billion surplus to pay for it ?

If they toll it i will definately be going the other way ...

**Keystone19** · 19th October 2006, 10:08

I don't like the idea.

Living on the Peninsula means that to get anywhere we are pretty much forced to pay the tolls. There is little choice but to get on the motorway to go anywhere.

**Squeak the Rat** · 19th October 2006, 10:13

I'm a bit on the fence with this one. One one hand the road is needed and the people most affected can choose to use or not. On the other hand, new roads don't just affect the people who use them, they also affect the whole community. Eg the drivers on the old roads get a better run, goods get delivered to businesses quicker, more cars can get on the road therefore allowing more growth in the city etc etc.

Tolling a road for say 10 years seems reasonable. But 35 years? Faaark. Pay for some of it with tolls and some from the stash.

**The Stranger:Me** · 19th October 2006, 10:17

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

Details here.

In short
1) They want to build tolled roads around the place
2) They keep the tolls in place for 35 years until the money they borrow is paid back
3) Up to 50% of the money collected through tolls goes in admin fees (per yesterday's NZ Herald)
4) They intend to put in ramp signalling at all interchanges (WHY IN GOD'S NAME DO THAT. Ever used the one in Mangere?
5) Off peak tolls are between 50 and 75% of peak tolls. (I thought they were only going to toll for peak times... )

At least it'll be painless... tui anyone?

So let me get this straight.

They are going to "borrow" the money off of us to build it then once we have paid for it again (plus admin) they will stop charging us?

Damn, I have to get in on this lark.

**Ixion** · 19th October 2006, 10:18

What is WRONG however is that they propose to toll the existing motorway that runs from Manukau to Onehunga. That road already exists. Its been paid for . How do they justify tolling that? And , given that precedent, how long before almost every road is tolled?

And their claims of journey reduction times are a cheat. The times are less because of ramp monitoring. Of course if you only let a few vehicles on the motorway the motorway time will be less. But they're not including the hours spent queued up waiting to get onto the motorway in the first place. Ramp monitoring is a disaster.

**twinkle** · 19th October 2006, 10:21

The 50% admin is a bit much

**The Stranger:Me** · 19th October 2006, 10:25

Originally Posted by twinkle

The 50% admin is a bit much

No, you can never have too much administration.
Don't forget you also need to allow for at least 5 name changes in this time, complete with new letter heads, business cards, vehicle signage etc.
All very important you know.

**twinkle** · 19th October 2006, 10:27

The onramp at lincoln road has Traffic lights, as does TeAtatu (though they aren't there directly contol onramp traffic). Traffic banks up for quite a way on the surrounding roads. I can just imagine the gridlock that would result if all the cars could go straight onto the motorway

:edit: but then again don't most onramps already have this in some form?

**slimjim** · 19th October 2006, 10:52

yup will suck for us outoftowner's too, we stop and buy a card ?, or wait til the fine comes through in the mail,

, gee only go up that way for the toy run's

now be adding an extra what $10.00 bucks for tolls?abit fucking sad Aucklander's,,

**Swoop** · 19th October 2006, 11:26

Originally Posted by CaN

No, you can never have too much administration.
Don't forget you also need to allow for at least 5 name changes in this time, complete with new letter heads, business cards, vehicle signage etc.
All very important you know.

Don't forget the all important consultation with local Iwi...

I wonder how many Taniwhas are around that way

bakeha · 19th October 2006, 11:29

Just got an email back from Transit

"Transit's concept for the Western Ring Route is based on tolling Motorcycles at the same rate as Motor Vehicles at this stage."

**Deano** · 19th October 2006, 11:32

At least the rest of the country won't be paying for your roads.

If x amount of $$ of the 'stash' were to be used, then 2 times that amount should be spent on roads in other areas.

(Slight p/t)

**Buster** · 19th October 2006, 11:34

Originally Posted by bakeha

Just got an email back from Transit

"Transit's concept for the Western Ring Route is based on tolling Motorcycles at the same rate as Motor Vehicles at this stage."

Your fucking kidding me right?