A radical new idea to make Waikato public transport carbon emissions “negative” by 2027 – through the likes of zero emissions vehicles, tree planting and buying offsetting credits – would be funded by ratepayers. \
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Costs of achieving such a goal could be between $500,000 and $900,000 a year. \
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The suggestion – which comes at a time of higher inflation, petrol prices and interest rates – has been included in the draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2023 and is to be discussed at the regional connections committee on Friday. \
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A staff report said this reflected direction from the committee on climate change action and the desire to achieve a net negative emission outcome for Waikato public transport by 2027. The committee includes members from various Waikato councils.
