5 October 2012

Auckland Transport Transforming Regional Public Transport Services

Transforming Auckland’s current complex mix of public transport services into a mature city-wide network of connected, reliable and frequent services is a key proposal of the Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP). The plan opens for public consultation by Auckland Transport from today 5 October, until 5 November 2012.

The plan outlines the public transport services and policies proposed for the region over the next 10 years. It is viewed by Auckland Transport as a change maker in respect of the way public transport will be delivered for customers.

Auckland Transport’s Manager Public Transport Operations, Mark Lambert says, “The draft Plan proposes a simpler, more integrated network. This will enable improved access to more destinations through better connections, reduced waiting times and deliver a network of frequent services at least every 15 minutes. It will change the way public transport is delivered in Auckland.

“Momentum in the public transport arena is gathering pace. Patronage figures are exceeding targets, integrated ticketing and major investment in rail electrification and new electric trains will benefit passengers soon.

“The principle which is already working in most North American and European cities is to create a network of high frequency lines that are designed to work together through easy connections. We are following that principle for Auckland as we work towards making this city the most liveable in the world.

“The draft Plan will give us direction and drive progress to make the significant changes needed to build infrastructure, improve services and plan for the future.

“The Plan is built around a frequent service network, which includes rail, and the Northern Busway, supplemented with high-frequency bus routes connecting major centres; it will deliver at least a 15-minute service, from 7am-7pm, with reduced frequencies outside those hours. The network will be complemented by connecting routes which operate at half-hourly frequencies. Supporting this are local services, peak-only services, and targeted services catering for specific local needs.

“To make some trips, some passengers will need to transfer at key interchanges. In return passengers will get improved frequencies, integrated ticketing enabled by one smart travel card to transfer between services without penalty, reduced waiting times and better connections to the places they want to go.

“Another pivotal proposal in the plan is the move to a zone-based fare system which would allow unlimited travel within a certain area and timeframe. It will provide for standard fares across buses and trains with no penalties for transfers between services. This differs to the current system where passengers pay separately for each part of their journey. Ferry fares will remain outside the proposed zone-based system. Indicative zone boundaries are illustrated in the draft Plan”.

Mr Lambert says, “At this stage, only feedback on the network as a whole, rather than on specific services and local routes is being sought. Public consultation on local routes will be carried out prior to any service changing.

“We welcome feedback on all aspects of the draft Plan, but we are particularly interested in people’s views on the new network, and the fares and ticketing policies.

The consultation period opens today, 5 October and the public have to 4pm Monday 5 November 2012 to provide feedback.

A copy of the draft Plan, summary document and feedback form can be found at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/rptp

For more information about Auckland Transport go to www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz twitter: @akltransport

ENDS

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