Draft Regional Public Transport Plan an “aspirational plan”

Waikato Regional Council adopted the Draft Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan 2018-28 (RPTP) at a special meeting on Tuesday, 21 August.

“It’s truly an aspirational plan,” said Regional Public Transport Plan Development Subcommittee chairman Russ Rimmington. “Hamilton has some of the worst congestion in the country and it is growing exponentially. We don’t want to get like Auckland, and we have a chance to get our planning right.

“We need to make public transport everyone’s first choice for getting around. We will do this by providing fast and frequent services, good journey experiences and quality infrastructure, such as well lit, attractive bus shelters and wifi on buses.

“But the plan is not just about buses, there’s a whole range of initiatives such as passenger rail connections between Hamilton and Auckland and more innovative ways of providing public transport solutions with key partners.”

The draft plan has been prepared by the regional council in partnership with territorial authorities and key stakeholders from a wide range of sectors. It sets the objectives and policies for public transport in the region for the next 10 years (2018-2028).

It aims to address a variety of issues raised by the community, particularly around traffic congestion in the main urban centres, and to provide easy and affordable public transport options for people to access employment, education and health services.

The draft plan provides a blueprint for an improved public transport system, one that can be easily used by everyone with quality service options and enhanced journey experiences.

It focuses on moving to a mass transit oriented network within Hamilton and between the city and neighbouring towns over time, and creating partnerships to better coordinate transport funding and deliver services to more areas within the region.

Public feedback is sought. The submission period starts today, 23 August, and ends Wednesday, 19 September. The draft plan will be available online, and also for inspection at Waikato Regional Council offices in Hamilton (401 Grey Street), Paeroa (13 Opatito Road), Taupō (cnr Titiraupenga and Paora Hapi streets) and Whitianga (33-35 Albert Street). The draft plan can also be viewed at the Hamilton Transport Centre (373 Anglesea Street, Hamilton) and public libraries within the Waikato region.

If you make a submission, you can request the opportunity to present your comments in person to the hearing committee. Submissions will be heard from 1 October to 2 October 2018.

Complete your submission online at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/submit-rptp or visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz to request a submission form, and post to: Transport Policy Team, Waikato Regional Council, Freepost 118509, Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240.

Submissions must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 19 September 2018.

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