New Plymouth's urban bus services will be upgraded next year following the Government's agreement to meet half the cost.
"We're delighted the Government has accepted our argument that these improvements are needed to bring the New Plymouth public transport system into line with those in similar-sized cities elsewhere," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Chief Executive, Basil Chamberlain.
The improvements will include additional capacity, electronic 'smartcard' ticketing across the entire network, new orbital services giving students direct access to most schools in New Plymouth, and an increase in peak-time routes.
The Council provides New Plymouth bus services through contractor Tranzit Coachlines, with the Government a 50-50 funding partner. The public was consulted about the planned improvements in the Council's 2009-2019 Long-Term Council Community Plan process earlier this year. This resulted in a small rate rise for New Plymouth ratepayers to help fund the project.
An initial request to the Government to meet its share of the cost was rejected, however, and the Council had been concerned New Plymouth's case would be overshadowed by national transport priorities elsewhere, particularly the main centres.
However, the New Zealand Transport Agency has now agreed to total funding of $2.64 million over the next two and a half years.
"Both the Council and the NZTA want a review after two years to ensure the service is delivering value for money," says Mr Chamberlain. "This means we need bums on bus seats and the message to New Plymouth people is simple: Use it or lose it."
The Council has begun planning the details of the improvements, which are expected to be introduced in the first half of 2010.
The proposed improvements are set out in the table below:
|
Key features |
Current bus service |
Proposed improvements |
|
Number of bus routes (peak times) |
4 (+ five ad hoc commercial school services) |
9 (+ school orbiter services) |
|
Number of bus routes (off peak) |
4 |
4 |
|
Orbiter service linking schools |
0 |
4 |
|
Bus coverage |
Covers large parts of New Plymouth, excluding The Valley, Glen Avon, Whalers Gate, Ferndale |
Wider coverage of New Plymouth, including The Valley, Whalers Gate, Ferndale |
|
Length of time to travel bus route |
40 minutes |
30 minutes (peak) |
|
Waiting times for next bus |
Max 70 minutes (mornings) to 90 minutes (afternoons) |
Max 30 minutes (peak), 60 minutes (off peak) |
|
Capacity |
Approx 300 seats per day |
Approx 500 seats per day |
|
Weekend services |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Time of services |
- |
Earlier morning services |
|
Smartcard ticketing |
On 4 buses |
On 13 buses |