A new strategy that aligns public transport improvements with urban development is a key feature of the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-35, recommended by the Greater Wellington Transport Committee.

After hearing submissions for two-days, committee chair Thomas Nash says there is clear demand to expand Metlink services in growth areas, an aspiration not supported by current government funding.

“Bus patronage continues to surpass record levels while train patronage is being driven down by underinvestment in the rail network,” Cr Nash says.

“With fast-tracked housing projects accelerating population growth projections, it’s essential public transport receives appropriate investment to meet forecast demand.

“Regional development requires sustained funding. Without this certainty, and under the government’s new constrained public transport settings, it’s nearly impossible to increase affordable Metlink services within council means and without cutting other services.

“The new strategy will empower Greater Wellington to explore additional funding mechanisms with partners, including a development levy and congestion charging, with the goal of securing sustained investment in public transport infrastructure, while incentivising cost-effective land use and urban development that lowers the overall cost of infrastructure, housing and transport.”

The committee supported exploring service improvements, including increasing the frequency of buses to Hutt Hospital from Wainuiomata, extending bus routes into Aotea and Grenada, and boosting inter-regional bus services to Levin, subject to available funding.

Also recommended was a programme to study the feasibility of new railway stations and infrastructure upgrades in Kāpiti, Horowhenua and the Hutt Valley.

Wairarapa councillor Adrienne Staples says urgent action is required to improve Wairarapa Rail Line operations and assets which was acknowledged by the committee, echoing the immense frustration expressed in submissions on the performance of the line.

Council chair Daran Ponter says feedback shows it’s not the right time for paid parking at railway station Park and Rides, and that on balance, current rules about pets on Metlink services are adequate.

“We’ll keep working on the Park and Ride demand management proposal and look to align it with the introduction of fully integrated ticketing and congestion charging, once rail patronage stabilises,” says Cr Ponter.

“Small pets will continue to be welcome onboard Metlink services, but our operators and the disability community have expressed concerns about the potential for animals not in pet carriers to disrupt services and guide dogs.”

Progressing a regional network of bus corridors and the redevelopment of Waterloo Station were supported by the committee, which also recommended accessibility improvements and an investigation into accelerating the phasing out of onboard cash payments.

The regional council will consider the committee’s recommendations on 26 June 2025.

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