Last nights Green organised public meeting in Johnsonville went really well with over 120 people attending and interesting and engaging speaking by a whole host: MPs Sue Kedgley; Peter Dunne; Labours Charles Chavel, as well as Ontracks David George and Option3's Roland Sapsford, and some coments by Councillors Wade- Brown; Jack Rubern; Terry McDavitt and Glen-Evans.

The thrust of the meeting was opposing the busway and the audience heard from all the speakers many different and varied reasons why. Peter Dunne provided some historical context saying that this was his 3rd or 4th time he has been involved in saving this piece of track.

Green Party Press Release:

Green Party Associate Transport Spokesperson Sue Kedgley is to host a public meeting tomorrow evening to oppose the discontinuation of the Johnsonville rail line.

United Future Leader Peter Dunne, Ontrack Chief executive David George, and Option3 Spokesperson Roland Sapsford will speak at the event.

A review of options for the line is currently underway, and one option being considered by the Greater Wellington Regional Council is to rip up the railway tracks and replace them with a one-way exclusive busway.

"Ripping up an existing, electrified rail line and replacing it with diesel buses is a loopy idea and would constitute a giant step backwards for local residents," Ms Kedgley says.

"Buses are less popular than trains, carry far fewer passengers, already cause congestion in Wellington traffic, and are reliant on fossil fuels which fluctuate in price and produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

"Opposition to this scheme is widespread, and transcends party-political lines. Hopefully the Regional Councillors will recognise the folly of this proposal, and direct their attentions instead to upgrading and improving the service on the existing Johnsonville line."

Listen to the national radio story