G
2490 days ago

A Whole Lot Of Train Stuff

Graeme from Frankton

Here's a few points about trains --

-- Train Drivers have been told by KiwiRail to slow , as the tracks have buckled in the current heat .
-- Auckland Train Drivers have had several strikes lately , throwing passengers in 'chaos' -- buses have been called in to get people to work and home .
-- Hamilton and Waikato Council , and the Labour led coalition , are proposing a commuter train to Papakura . This will cost at least $78 million , and at least $1 million a year in subsidies . It can carry up to 150 people , but appears likely to take 30-40 daily .
-- That is $2 million per person in 'capital' costs . A new Nissan Leaf electric car is $62,500 , a new hybrid is $37,500 , a new Tesla is around $120,000 . You could literally GIVE each commuter one of these vehicles , and be 18 to 50 times better off !
-- The $1 million a year subsidy works out at $500 per person per week subsidy . On top of the $30 trip charge ( they pay $300 a week , taxpayers and ratepayers pay another $500 a week , on top of the $78 million setting this up !
-- A new 45-50 seat bus is $400,000 to $650,000 , depending on level of luxury .
-- BusIt runs a daily bus service to Pukekohe ( it appears with no sudsidy ? ) and charges $10 each way -- less for pensioners etc . This is not suitable for commuters , but shows what can be done .
-- Air New Zealand is offering $39 fares Tauranga to Auckland , again it appears they receive no Govt subsidy , they buy mult-million dollar planes and have to make money .
-- It appears LTNZ will reduce or cancel any funding for the Hamilton to Papakura commuter train .

-- BusIt can run a daily bus service a similar distance for just over $10 .
-- Air NZ can run planes Tauranga to Auckland $39 .
-- Hamilton Council can run a daily train to Papakura , but need to spend $78 million , plus top it up by another $1 million , for 30-40 people a day ?

Will this loco loco still proceed if no-one votes for the the current Mayor ? Lets hope it is canned -- it is absolute financial stupidity IMO .

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.2% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.2% Complete
  • 20.8% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.8% Complete
554 votes
30 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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1 day ago

Watercolour Art Class

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Discover watercolour painting in a relaxed, supportive watercolour class designed for beginners and returning artists. These sessions will guide you through paint and watercolour control, colour mixing, washes, composition and perspective.

Each watercolour class will help you to develop new technical skills, become more confident in this medium, and increase your understanding of paint, walking away with a toolbox of new skills by the end of the term. This is a small class of 8 people only to allow plenty of tutor access.
Tuesdays - 3rd February - 24th March or
Fridays - 30th January - 27th March

Book now at - www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

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