A successful community consultation has revealed key themes that will help Taranaki Regional Council improve the future of public transport in the region.
The Council’s Executive, Audit & Risk Committee today heard verbal submissions from 19 of the 403 individuals, groups and organisations who gave feedback on the draft Better Travel Choices for Taranaki strategy.
The Better Travel Choices for Taranaki strategy will feed into the 2024-2027 planning and funding cycles of the 2024/2034 Long-Term Plan and the Regional Land Transport Plan.
It aims to support a step change in the region away from private vehicle use, where possible. It includes proposals for improvements to the bus network and signals the region’s transport ambitions nationally in order to secure the necessary funding.
Council Chair Charlotte Littlewood was pleased with the level of community interest during the six-week consultation that ended on 29 October.
“It was really important that we heard a wide range of views from across the region – both rural and urban, young and old, bus users and non-bus users.
“With more than 400 submissions this was one of the biggest responses to any Council consultation, which reiterates just how important this issue is to the people of Taranaki.
“There were a number of strong themes that came through in both the written and verbal submissions, which in some instances validate the direction we are already heading and in others, give us valuable food for thought as we go into the next stage of this process.”
The main themes from submitters included increasing bus service frequency, the extended availability of bus services, more direct bus routes, an airport service and a central New Plymouth bus hub – among others.
Among the many constructive verbal submissions, New Plymouth District Council councillors Harry Duynhoven and Bali Haque said NPDC wanted to be part of a step change in public transport, including the introduction of a direct, out and back route across the city.
Committee Chair Tom Cloke noted fewer than half of the 40 submitters who had requested to speak attended to share their views either in person or via Zoom.
From here, Council staff will prepare recommendations to support the Committee with its deliberations in February 2024. Better Travel Choices for Taranaki and the Regional Public Transport Plan 2024 are scheduled to come into effect on 1 May 2024.
This will build on a number of positive changes the Council has made to its bus services in response to public feedback, including a more simplified fare structure and a more frequent Ōpunake to New Plymouth Southlink service.
Mrs Littlewood thanked everyone who took the time to share their views.
“We heard you loud and clear and we are committed to continue working with you to achieve our shared vision for public transport in Taranaki.”