Here's the thing. Freight transport is obviously important to the country's economic activity, so i'm actually OK with some form of public funding for road freight.

But I also think the heaviest freight would be better off the roads altogether and that in an ideal world long distance freight would also not be transported the length of the country. This could make roads safer, cheaper to build and reduce emissions by using more efficient vehicles.

Now, that implies that yes, low RUCs on heavy trucks is a problem, but its a multi-faceted one and the problem is that our current government's transport strategy just roads roads roads.

[–] BalpeenHammer 3 points 2 months ago

Isn't you and I driving also important to the country's economic activity? I drive to work, I drive to the stores. I drive to the gym and recreational activities. That's all economic activity.

[–] Dave 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

If the government wants to go the open market route, shouldn't they increase RUC on heavy vehicles, making it user pays? Then alternatives to road freight become more cost effective.

[–] TagMeInSkipIGotThis 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

There's two ways to achieve it; re-introduce the legislation (I think) from prior to the 80s that limited the maximum distance freight could be transported on road. If I recall some documentaries i've watched correctly it was removing this restriction that made road transport competitive with rail in the first place and precipitated the decline of TranzRail.

Or, as you say, charge all forms of transport the full cost of provisioning it which would immediately make road transport very expensive. The problem is that would probably cause an immediate inflation bump as a mode change like that really needs careful panning and transition.

[–] Dave 1 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I feel like I heard of a Labour plan to build rail hubs. Infrastructure like that is expensive and risky for private companies (because what if there are no customers?), but if the government set it up (say, one near Auckland and one near Wellington), and organised the rail freight between, you could have a really nice rail system set up, with trucks handling just the first and last stretch.

[–] absGeekNZ 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

If it follows SH1 (mostly) that would be a great thing.

I would love to be able to have passenger terminals available to travel to Wellington / Auckland

[–] Dave 1 points 2 months ago

I was thinking freight hubs installed on the existing train line.

Wellington/Auckland passenger rail is already available, but it's marketed to tourists and has a price to match, at $250 per person one way. You'll find flights for half that.

[–] TagMeInSkipIGotThis 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, and if well designed it potentially is an investment like electrifying steel furnaces. Anything we do that has a big impact on reducing emissions is likely a good thing.

[–] Dave 1 points 2 months ago

Maybe we could get the main line from Auckland to Wellington electrified for heavy freight? Ok now I'm just drreaming.