New feedback sought on bus network ‘nitty-gritty’

The Taranaki Regional Council is inviting the public to share their ideas on how to make bus travel more attractive – yet again.

Last year, as part of the Better Travel Choices for Taranaki, the council asked questions about the future of transport in the region. However, this year transport engagement manager Cheryl Gazley said the questions would be more specific.

“We’re seeking specific feedback on where you think route adjustments are needed, preferred frequency – how often should the bus come, crucial destinations we may be missing and optimal service times – should there be an earlier or later bus on your route?’’

Gazley said the council was now getting down to the nitty-gritty.

“The community has asked for enhancements in four focus areas: bus routes, frequency, weekend services and key destinations in Taranaki,” she said. “Now it’s time for specific details.” In March last year, as part of the Better Travel Choices for Taranaki consultation, the council asked several questions.

They included which bus routes should have higher weekday frequency, which new bus routes could be introduced on the weekends or public holidays, and which weekend existing services should have an enhanced service.

The new proposed routes included a bus service between the airport and the city centre and a Waitara Express.

However, yesterday, the council said the new consultation, which involved pop-up events across the region and an online tool, was part of a business case which would be presented to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

“Last year’s Better Travel Choices for Taranaki community conversation laid

the foundations for the current consultation by asking people about the vision, objectives and improvements they want for our region’s public transport system,” Gazley said.

She said the consultation last year was different as it asked the public more general questions on “less carbon-intensive modes of transport such as walking and cycling and what would help people shift to active and sustainable travel”.

Public transport advocate Suraya Sidhu Singh said she welcomed the new consultation, even though it would take time to get changes over the line.

“They’ll still need to apply to central government for the funding, actually – hopefully – get a yes, maybe the contractors will have to recruit new bus drivers, redesign and replace all the bus maps ... it’s a mammoth task,” she said.

The pop-up events were announced one week after the council extended the Ōpunake to New Plymouth bus service.

The Southlink Coastal bus now runs every day between Monday and Friday.

Singh said it was a positive change and the coastal community was delighted, but the council should have better communicated the good news.

“When you introduce a new service like this, you need to paper the towns with eye-catching posters and flyers, and perhaps direct mail every household within a short walk of a bus stop,” she said.