Two transport options for Frankton Rd being considered

WORK is under way to determine the best means of achieving a ‘‘step change’’ in capacity along Queenstown’s key arterial route.

A draft consultants’ report released last month shows a partnership between the Queenstown Lakes District Council, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Otago Regional Council is comparing two alternative options for massively boosting public transport on Frankton Rd.

The report, which stems from a workshop in February, said modelling showed a major increase in capacity was needed to accommodate expected future demand.

The options, labelled ‘‘modest’’ and ‘‘ambitious’’, would be the focus of work over the next few months before the next workshop, when the preferred option would be recommended.

The ‘‘modest’’ option involves a highfrequency, highcapacity bus service, along with a ferry service on Frankton Arm.

The ‘‘ambitious’’ option requires fourlaning the road, and a combination of all or some of a ferry service, gondola, light rail and an enhanced bus service.

Accompanying measures would include a town centre parking strategy, better access to public transport hubs and increased land use intensification to improve the uptake of public transport.

The partnership of the NZTA and councils is working on seven transportrelated business cases: the Town Centre project, Frankton to Queenstown, Wakatipu Active Travel Network, Grant Rd to Kawarau Falls Bridge, Frankton Masterplan, Lake Wakatipu Public Water Ferry Service, and Queenstown Transport Modelling.

At a public meeting in Frankton last month, district council property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby said a mass rapid transport option would be needed within 10 years.