Electric bus service leaves some confused
New Zealand’s first all-electric bus service was launched in Palmerston North yesterday, but despite the publicity, there were still patrons stuck at shelters waiting for buses that did not come.
While Horizons Regional Council and Tranzit guests gathered for a blessing of a new Rangitāne co-designed bus shelter at IPU, some students struggled to get to school.
One woman trying to get her 7-yearold grandson across the city to school was caught out in Rugby St. They were on a route that was going to be discontinued until a public outcry saw the partial reinstatement of the Awapuni/Roslyn service, but only at off-peak times, and not in time for school and work.
Another “bus-mum” was navigating her two children to a bus stop further from home on the new Pioneer Highway route, which she managed, but said was less convenient. But what was worrying them more than change was the costs they would face with the loss of free fares for children under 13 at the end of April. Bus trips are free for everyone during March while the new service beds in.
But Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced in December the Government was scrapping funding for free buses for children and half-price fares for 13 to 24 year-olds. From May 1, around the city for single-zone trips, 5-18 year-olds will pay $1.20 per trip, those 19 to 24 years old will pay $2, and anyone younger than 5 years will still travel for free.
Bus passengers using a Bee Card will pay for a maximum of eight trips a week, with any above that being free, so the maximum 5 to 18-year-olds will pay each week is $9.60.
Horizons Regional Council passenger transport committee chairperson Sam Ferguson said loss of the Government subsidy was a bit of a shame at a time when the council was trying to get children and young people into the bus-using habit, something they would be likely to continue as adults. “It’s a bit disappointing to have lost that, but it’s out of our control.”
He said at least the contract to ensure Massey University students and staff travelled for free was still functioning to help support young adults.
Horizons chairperson Rachel Keedwell said the new bus fleet, shelters and network would significantly improve public transport in Palmerston North and Ashhurst. It had been designed to be fast, frequent and easy to understand.
“With buses running every 30 minutes from 6.30am until 9pm daily, and as often as every 15 minutes at peak times, people will have vastly improved options for travelling across the city.”
Keedwell said getting more people out of cars and onto buses would reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to the goal of reducing emissions from land transport by 30% by 2030.
City council transport and development group manager Glen O’Connor said the new routes and shelters would make using the buses a more attractive transport choice. Shelters would be installed over the coming months, with designs co-designed by Rangitāne honouring two map makers – Haunui-a-Nanaia who named the rivers, and early settler John Tiffin Stewart who mapped the city.
Tranzit general manager of bus and coach Jenna Snelgrove said the launch came after months of work to get 50 drivers on board for the 42 new buses, and to put in 10 dual chargers and depot facilities.
“Today is hugely significant for our team and we are excited about delivering an improved bus network with a zero-emissions bus fleet.’’
The buses have a range of more than 300kms and provide a smoother, quieter ride, have USB chargers, and more space for people with wheelchairs, prams and other mobility devices.