Bold plan for public transport in the Waikato rohe confirmed

Waikato regional councillors have unanimously signed off on a bold 10-year plan for public transport in the rohe (region) at their last meeting for the triennium.

The aspirational draft regional public transport plan was released for feedback in July, with 209 submissions received.

Mark Tamura, Regional Transport Connections Director, said there had been overall support for the proposed improvements and aspirations for public transport in the region.

“Providing public transport that meets the needs of more people in more places, is one very tangible thing we can do to help reduce transport emissions and improve access to opportunities,” he said. “So, we’ve moved at pace this year to develop an aspirational plan that delivers on the brief set by council, the Regional Connections Committee and statutory requirements.

“It was really great to have such good public engagement – we heard what people had to say, and some amendments have been made to the plan to take account of the feedback provided through submissions,” Mr Tamura said.

As well as growing patronage in the urban areas and servicing more rural communities, the plan aims for public transport services to become at least carbon neutral for the period 2025 to 2050.

While avoiding emissions in the first place is the highest priority, if offsetting emissions is viable, the regional council will use direct offsetting methods within the region that generate additional benefits such as enhancing biodiversity.

Some other changes included:

• supporting investigations into extending the Auckland passenger rail network into the north Waikato, including Tūākau and Pōkeno
• policies that will over time remove cash from public transport 
• increasing support for public transport for large scale commercial events within the region
• making it clearer what is available for people with access needs, including that assistance animals are permitted on all public transport and improving accessibility of information.

To deliver on the aspirations outlined in the plan, total public transport operating expenditure would need to increase significantly over a 30-year period.

“This will come from a combination of sources – government investment, passenger fares and rates. As a rule of thumb, for every ratepayer dollar spent on public transport there are two dollars coming from other sources.

“The plan does not commit us to expenditure, but it does provide clear direction. There will be many steps along the way to achieve the aspirations set out in the plan. This includes a lot of public consultation, on the design of services, and how they will be funded through future long term plan and annual plan processes.

“We’re looking forward to working with councils across the rohe over the coming year to design a model that will see the costs of public transport shared fairly,” Mr Tamura said.

This council meeting was livestreamed. To watch it, go to https://youtu.be/j-imQJ-lYnk.