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Source: Reuters
Waikato residents are pushing for a commuter train service to Auckland, with over 1,000 postcards signed in just a few hours.
The Campaign For Better Transport (CBT) visited towns in the Waikato on Saturday and says even businesses are calling for trains to and from Auckland.
Members from the independent transport lobby group are collecting the signatures to put pressure on local Hamilton MPs Tim Macindoe and David Bennett, as well as the Minister of Transport Steven Joyce and Prime Minister John Key.
"People from all walks of life and from many different Waikato towns back the call for commuter trains" says Jon Reeves, a CBT spokesperson.
He says with a ban on using mobile phones in cars from November, there is even more reason to introduce a commuter service so business people can work while en route using modern technology such as laptops.
Hamilton East MP David Bennett has publicly stated his opposition to increasing transport options in his electorate through commuter rail, but Reeves says Bennett should talk with his electorate about the transport improvements they actually want.
Community support for the postcard campaign has been strong.
"This is a classic no brainer for the government to give the green light to rail," says Reeves.
"We have the passengers, we have the stations, now all we need is the trains."
