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Over the last few months , I have taken a lot more interest in the Trains , sparked by the crazy proposal to spend at least $78 million to take 30-40 commuters a day to Papakura and back . It makes no sense , no matter how you try and justify it .
A couple of people have said 'Look at how … View moreOver the last few months , I have taken a lot more interest in the Trains , sparked by the crazy proposal to spend at least $78 million to take 30-40 commuters a day to Papakura and back . It makes no sense , no matter how you try and justify it .
A couple of people have said 'Look at how Auckland has turned the trains around' , and how many passengers they get . So I thought I'd have a look at Auckland Transport's latest reports , and it's amazing what you can learn , or what can be hidden .
Auckland Transport runs the buses , the trains , bike lanes , carparking , all sorts of transport options . Actually , it looks like they contract most of those out . So their published accounts are very hard to pinpoint .
But here's an overview --
$467.5 million 'improving' public transport -- whatever the hell that means ?
$120.8 million improving roading .
$20 million improving parking .
Their 'operating funding' was $536.072 million -- that is ticket sales for buses , trains , parking meters and carparks .
Their expenditure was $1.892 BILLION !
The shortfall came from Auckland Council ( rates ) $480.485million and NZTA ( $205.231 million ) and finance revenue $617.42million .
Yes -- they spent 3 times as much as users paid . And yes , they borrowed nearly $620 million ! We are talking Auckland Transport -- a part of the Auckland Council . I wonder how much the entire council borrowed ?
I'm no great financial mastermind , but isn't this a bit like running a trucking company , charging out $600 , but it costs you $1800 to chrge that $600 , so you borrow some , and get some off your Uncle ?
Anyway , that is Auckland's concerns , but the point is -- their so-called model of how transport should be run , pointed out by a couple of Neighbourly people , is decided stuffed . You cannot run a business , or a transport network , if it costs you $3 for every $1 you get in -- that is stupid ! You can do a 'promotion' for a couple of weeks to get people interested , but there is absolutely no point using that as your business case . And even crazier -- why borrow to pay for these loses ?
So lets hope that with an upcoming election , here in Hamilton we get some people with a few business skills . Can the commuter train . Look at the buses , see which lose money , see if they can be turned around or changed , and balance that with a social need . I doubt if many people would begrudge a bus service ( or a train service -- although I doubt any will work around the Waikato ) losing a few dollars if it is being used , but if it costs 3 times what it earns ( like Auckland ) , or 8 times what it earns ( like the Commuter train ) , then don't even trial it .
Personal trainer Alison Storey's weekly column, Storey on Sport, answers your questions on fitness a…
White painted inside doors. Reason for selling is replaced with sliding doors. Including hinges handles and catches.
Measurements are 1880 high, 760 wide.
6 in total, separately $20
Hey, does anyone have a Berkley intermediate girls uniform skort for sale?
Sz 14 would be perfect
Did you know each minute you add to your shower time uses about 14 litres of water? Pop into our Municipal Building in Garden Place and pick yourself up one our free Smart Water shower timers! Shorter showers are just one of the easy ways you can save water this summer.
Just under half a bag of Royal Canin Chihuahua dog food and 8 cans of mature + 8 and one of Adult Beauty free to anyone who can use it. I purchased this for my older chihuahua who was not well and she has since passed on due to heart failure. I understand SPCA won't take open bags of food.… View moreJust under half a bag of Royal Canin Chihuahua dog food and 8 cans of mature + 8 and one of Adult Beauty free to anyone who can use it. I purchased this for my older chihuahua who was not well and she has since passed on due to heart failure. I understand SPCA won't take open bags of food. My other 3 chihuahuas won't eat Royal Canin. contact me by text on 0204 833 515 if interested
Saturday, 16 Feb 2019 at 8am (Sorry not before) CLEAN OUT, Items will be all priced. Will not turn down offers!
114 Lewis Street, Glenview, Hamilton
There's nothing worse than a soggy sammy. The trick to keeping kids interested in eating their lunch (and stopping yourself getting bored making it) is mixing it up with variations on a theme that you know they already love.
So instead of a plain ham and cheese sandwich on sliced bread, … View moreThere's nothing worse than a soggy sammy. The trick to keeping kids interested in eating their lunch (and stopping yourself getting bored making it) is mixing it up with variations on a theme that you know they already love.
So instead of a plain ham and cheese sandwich on sliced bread, try folding slices of ham and cheese into wedges of crunchy baguette or a soft bap. Save time and stress by using Mainland’s convenient sliced cheese – available in Edam, Tasty, Colby and Swiss to suit your family’s taste.
Head to mainland.co.nz for some quick and easy cheesy ideas.
Fraser High School (FHS) uniforms for sale - still look new as they have hardly been worn - the boys grew out of them too quickly - any offers considered - clothes in good condition or mentioned otherwise but easy fixes.
FHS - shorts large (missing a button) otherwise good condition
FHS - shirt … View moreFraser High School (FHS) uniforms for sale - still look new as they have hardly been worn - the boys grew out of them too quickly - any offers considered - clothes in good condition or mentioned otherwise but easy fixes.
FHS - shorts large (missing a button) otherwise good condition
FHS - shirt sky blue x 2 medium - good condition -no marks
FHS - hoodie small - good condition
FHS - hoodie XL - (tiny little burn mark on right arm from the heater)
FHS - PE tops 1 medium - 3 small - good condition
FHS - PE shorts 1 small and 1 extra small (loose stitching around waist).
I also have 2 Rhode Street Primary school polo tops small (would fit size 10-12) - good condition.
Will consider any offers!
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Hi Neighbours
I am trying to organise a small hens party and the bride-to-be wants to try line dancing. This is happening next Thursday 14th Feb. I have rung all the clubs in Hamilton, Workingmans Club, Commerce Club, Cossie Club etc and they either have no classes that night or we need someone … View moreHi Neighbours
I am trying to organise a small hens party and the bride-to-be wants to try line dancing. This is happening next Thursday 14th Feb. I have rung all the clubs in Hamilton, Workingmans Club, Commerce Club, Cossie Club etc and they either have no classes that night or we need someone in our group to be a member. Does anybody know of any other places I could try? Could be the outskirts of Hamilton....
This was working fine but the battery no longer keeps its charge. I haven't made any enquiry about the availability or cost of a new one.
Free to a good home.
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