Ministry of Transport Invites Submissions

The Ministry of Transport today released a consultation document as part of a review of public transport procurement legislation. The review, which is being carried out as part of the Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme, is looking at whether there is a case to change part two of the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989 (sections 47 to 53A, 59 & 60), as it relates to contracted and commercial bus and ferry services.

The review is in response to concerns from some regional councils, particularly the Auckland Regional Council, that existing legislation makes it difficult to plan and develop the public transport system, and to ensure that it is delivering value for money.

It is being led by the Ministry of Transport, who is a member of the Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme, through a joint working group of representatives from Land Transport New Zealand, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, the Bus and Coach Association, the Auckland Regional Council, Local Government New Zealand?s metro and regional council sectors, and Auckland territorial authorities.

Public transport operators, local government and members of the public are invited to make submissions by Friday 23 June 2006. The working group will analyse submissions alongside independent financial analysis. The Ministry of Transport expects to advise the Minister of Transport on whether or not there is a strong enough case to change legislation at the end of July.

The consultation document focuses on Auckland, but any changes would be likely to affect the whole of New Zealand.

Information provided to help people to make submissions includes:

· an outline of the evolution of passenger transport legislation ·
detailed information on public transport trends since 1990 ·
the performance of the bus fleet ·
stakeholders goals for the future · a financial analysis of bus operations in New Zealand's major cities compared to major Australian cities · stakeholder views on the current public transport system ·

the Ministry of Transport's evaluation of the existing legislative regime · four options for change that have been suggested by the joint working group. The consultation document and more information on the submissions process can be found at www.transport.govt.nz/current-consultations/. You can also get a copy by phoning the Ministry of Transport on 04 472 1253, or by writing to The Ministry of Transport, PO Box 3175, Wellington, New Zealand.

ENDS

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