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Restore Passenger Rail protesters were back again obstructing southbound traffic in Wellington on Monday.
Wellington commuters were halted on Monday morning as Restore Passenger Rail supporters took to the north side of the Terrace Tunnel in protest.
“We are here again, with full understanding of the potential personal costs, because our government is failing to take action on the climate crisis,” spokesperson Joseph Fullerton said.
As protesters remained on the road commuters could be seen getting out of their vehicles in frustration.
One man yelled, “just move forward a bit, I’ll run them over.”
Supporters of Restore Passenger Rail have been calling for climate action since September of last year, specifically the restoration of a national passenger train service and free urban public transportation.
The government had plans to buy additional trains for the lower North Island in July and to make urban public transportation free for those under the age of 13.
“We support purchasing new trains for the lower North Island, and making urban public transport free for under 13s, but the reality is that this is simply not enough. We need to be drastically decreasing our carbon emissions. We need everyone in the country to be able to access affordable public transport options,” Fullerton said.
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Police were at the scene and arrested three people.
“We know that what we’re seeing now is only the beginning of the climate crisis. Our leaders may be okay with sitting back and watching it happen – but we are not. We invite anyone who is worried about the climate crisis to join us – in action there is hope.”
A police spokesperson said they took three people into custody and the road has been reopened.
“Charges are being considered,” they said.
Restore Passenger Rail has been impeding traffic in Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the past two weeks.
