Agenda of Public Transport Committee - Thursday, 23 June 2022

Public Transport Committee

Membership

Chairperson	Cr Andrew von Dadelszen
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Lyall Thurston
Members	Cr Norm Bruning Cr Jane Nees Cr Stacey Rose Cr Paula Thompson
External Members Two Tauranga City Council representatives One representative each: Rotorua Lakes Council Western Bay of Plenty District Council Whakatāne District Council All of whom are voting members. One Waka Kotahi NZTA non-voting representative	Commissioner Stephen Selwood Commissioner Bill Wasley (Alternate) Mr Phill Thomass (Lakes Community Board) Cr Tania Tapsell (Alternate) Mayor Garry Webber Mayor Judy Turner Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles (Alternate) Jessica Andrew Michelle Te Wharau (Alternate)
Ex Officio	Chairman Doug Leeder
Quorum	Six members, consisting of more than half the number of voting members of which four must be BOPRC members
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

Set the strategic and operational direction for approved Regional Council public transport policy and strategy, and monitor how it is implemented.

Role

· Prepare and review the Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan.

· Implement, monitor and review operational public transport policy and plans.

· Implement, monitor and review the Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Implementation Plan.

· Advocate for public transport with NZTA, territorial authorities and central government.

· Set and monitor targets for public transport in the region.

· Receive reporting on the performance of the Passenger Transport Activity.

· In coordination with the work programme of the Regional Transport Committee, guide and review the public transport components of the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and make recommendations to Regional Transport Committee for incorporation into the RLTP.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role and scope of the committee subject to the limitations imposed.

Power to Recommend

To Council and/or any standing committee as it deems appropriate.

The Public Transport Committee reports to the Regional Council.

Recording of Meetings

Please note the Public section of this meeting is being recorded and streamed live on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website in accordance with Council's Live Streaming and Recording of Meetings Protocols which can be viewed on Council’s website. The recording will be archived and made publicly available on Council's website within two working days after the meeting on www.boprc.govt.nz for a period of three years (or as otherwise agreed to by Council).

All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however, as a visitor in the public gallery or as a participant at the meeting, your presence may be recorded. By remaining in the public gallery, it is understood your consent is given if your image is inadvertently broadcast.

Opinions expressed or statements made by individual persons during a meeting are not the opinions or statements of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Council accepts no liability for any opinions or statements made during a meeting.

Public Transport Committee Minutes

17 March 2022

Public Transport Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing: Thursday 17 March 2022, 9.30 am

Venue: Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Chairperson: Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Lyall Thurston

Members: Cr Norm Bruning, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Cr Jane Nees – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Cr Paula Thompson – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Cr Stacey Rose – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Mayor Garry Webber – Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Mayor Judy Turner – Whakatāne District Council, Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Alternate, Whakatāne District Council, Commissioner Stephen Selwood – Tauranga City Council, Phill Thomass – Lakes Community Board, Michelle Te Wharau – Waka Kotahi (non-voting)

In Attendance: Cr Matemoana McDonald, Mat Taylor – General Manager, Corporate, Namouta Poutasi – General Manager, Strategy and Science, James Llewellyn – Transport and Urban Planning Manager, Simon Bell – Transport Systems Team Leader, Amanda Namana – Committee Advisor

External: Alice Davies

Apologies: Chairman Leeder – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Jessica Andrew – Waka Kotahi, Mayor Judy Turner – Whakatāne District Council (early departure), Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Whakatāne District Council (early departure), Cr Stacey Rose – Bay of Plenty Regional Council (early departure)

This meeting was livestreamed and the recording is available on Council’s YouTube channel: Public Transport Committee - 17 March 2022 - YouTube

1. Apologies

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Accepts the apologies from Chairman Leeder, Jessica Andrew, Mayor Judy Turner (for early departure), Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles (for early departure) and Cr Stacey Rose (for early departure) tendered at the meeting.

Thurston/Thomass

CARRIED

2. Order of Business

To accommodate the presenter, the Public Forum would be taken following item 6.1 – Chairperson’s Report.

3. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

4. Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Public Transport Committee Minutes - 30 November 2021

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Confirms the Public Transport Committee Minutes - 30 November 2021 as a true and correct record.

Iles/Thurston

CARRIED

5. Presentations

5.1

Accessibility - using the bus system and Bee Cards

The Chair advised that this item would be deferred to a future meeting.

5.2

Update from The Wednesday Challenge

The Chair advised that this item would be deferred to a future meeting.

6. Reports

Decisions Required

6.1	Chairperson's Report Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item. Key Points: · Provided details of the government announcement earlier in the week to provide half price public transport fares for three months from 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022. Key Points - Members: · Suggested social media and bus sticker advertising of the three month half price fares to take advantage of the opportunity to increase bus patronage as petrol prices continued to rise · Agreed the three month half price fares were a good opportunity to understand price sensitivity for patrons across the region · Mayor Turner provided an update: o Discussions had taken place with Mayor Campbell (Kawerau) and Mayor Riesterer (Ōpōtiki) around specific transport issues to the Eastern Bay of Plenty. There were current sub-regional initiatives underway to provide transport to medical appointments for remote communities, a disability resource centre reviewing how they could improve public transport, a senior citizens group looking at public transport options for members (particularly those that could no longer drive) and Ōpōtiki projects providing services for people needing to travel up the coast. Noted that there was collective thinking underway from the Eastern Bay of Plenty to suggest strategic future public transport outcomes to the Committee · Acknowledged the social and physical demands of bus driving and the unique financial dynamics of providing a public transport service. In Response to Questions: · Communication was key to implementing the three month half price fares and staff were working through details of a communications plan · There was increasing pressure to have a more strategic approach to the cost of fares and how they applied to different groups of people · The Ministry of Transport (MOT) had invited the Transport Special Interest Group (TSIG) to sit on the operational working group to provide Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) guidance · Bus driver wages and working conditions would be a priority in considering investment in the future public transport system · There had been challenges with driver retention and recruitment, for which there were a range of factors including Covid-19 impacts. This was a serious situation across the country and needed to be addressed on a national level · General Manager, Corporate advised that although staff would provide all available information on providing free fares in alignment with the government half price fares, a full investigation of all options available (including weighing up all pros and cons) would not be possible given the timeframe.
	Items for Staff Follow Up: · Add a standing item to future agendas for an update from the Eastern Bay of Plenty Joint Mayoral Committee in relation to public transport.
	Resolved That the Public Transport Committee: 1 Receives the report, Chairperson's Report; Von Dadelszen/Thomass CARRIED 2 Recommends to Regional Council that staff investigate options for a full bus service incorporating free fares to align with the government announcement of half price fares, for a period of three months Bruning/Thompson 3 Proposed Amendment: Recommends to Regional Council that staff investigate options for a full bus service incorporating free fares to improve patronage Webber/Selwood With the agreement of the mover/seconder of the original motion, the amendment was incorporated into the motion as follows: 4 Recommends to Regional Council that staff investigate options for a full bus service incorporating free fares to improve patronage, and align with the government announcement of half price fares, as a trial for a period of three months. Bruning/Thompson CARRIED

7. Public Forum

7.1

Alice Davies

Presentation: Tauranga Bus Stop Accessibility: Objective ID A4064166

Tabled Document 1 - Tauranga bus stop accessibility Research Report: Objective ID A4064165

Key Points of Presentation:

· Alice was currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Waikato in Tauranga and obtained an internship through the Transportation Group (under Engineering New Zealand), hosted by BECA

· Outlined the research purpose and methods

· Results supported the hypothesis that the disabled community were adversely affected by inaccessibility of bus stops and the journey to bus stops

· Current accessibility issues with bus stops included connectivity to the footpath, being able to safely cross the road, shelter and seating, the inclusion of live updating digital signs, obstacles, height of access/ dismount for buses to footpath and clearance to near traffic

· Compared Tauranga City Council bus stop guidelines to feedback received and provided recommendations to better align these.

Key Points - Members:

· Commended the presentation, research, and valuable recommendations

· Suggested that Alice present to the Tauranga Joint Public Transport Committee

· Tauranga City Council had a significant infrastructure programme underway to address improvements to the current standard.

In Response to Questions:

· Representative groups such as CCS, blind/vision impaired groups and other organisations had also been communicated with during the research

· These organisations considered that it was sometimes complicated to communicate transport issues as it could be difficult to differentiate where the responsibility for separate concerns lay

· There were also many organisations that had resources and were willing to assist but were not being approached to contribute.

10:59 am – The meeting adjourned and Cr Stacey Rose withdrew.

11.10 am – The meeting reconvened.

6. Reports (Continued)

Information Only

7.2

Public Transport Arotake Tuarua 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report July to December 2021

Presentation: Arotake Tuarua: Objective ID A4066617

Transport Systems Team Leader Simon Bell and Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

· Provided corrections to the Annual Totals of the Quarterly Patronage table on Page 21 of the agenda:

o 2017/18 - 2,832,444

o 2018/19 - 2,608,277

o 2019/20 - 2,375,750

o 2020/21 - 2,664,380

· Covid-19 and changes to working situations were likely to have contributed to patronage drops during the last quarter

· Outlined the additional data now provided in Arotake Tuarua reporting.

Key Points - Members:

· Suggested a specifically designed vehicle for mobility impaired patrons may be required – receiving further data would ensure the correct service was being provided for the correct customer base

· Considered the biggest issue for providing more bus stops would be gaining support from affected landowners, and proposing greater mobility options was likely to add to this

· To optimise patronage, cost effectiveness and reduce carbon emissions, it was important to understand total patronage by route and by time of day, enabling matching of services, costs and emissions to the demand.

In Response to Questions:

· Tauranga City Council were compiling a programme of bus stop improvements, which would be reported to the new Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee

· Reiterated that the Total Mobility service had specific criteria and was designed for people with severe disabilities that were unable to use conventional public transport systems

· Some public concern had been expressed after the removal of the HL service from Mount Maunganui to the hospital, staff advised that the new service with a CBD transfer still provided a quicker total journey time

· The bar chart on Page 28 of the agenda did not show a journey analysis for patrons that would have previously used the HL service, this analysis would likely form part of the review of the network changes once a wider data set was available

· The longer the bus route and the more congestions points they passed, the more unreliable the service could be

· KPI’s for punctuality were analysed by service planning staff and generally fell within service standard targets, noted that these may need to be reviewed as part of future changes to contracts to better reflect aspirations

· The tertiary commuter services subsidy would be reviewed once there was a better understanding of the best service options for a future contract

· Waka Kotahi funding decisions through the NLTP around the balanced approach had not affected the bus network refresh process as this was within existing budgets. Many benefits of the balanced approach could likely be delivered within the refresh process

· Staff were working closely with Waka Kotahi to identify if there was funding within the current NLTP budget for Rotorua that could be repurposed to deliver infrastructure improvements

· Public consultation for the Rotorua Bus Network Refresh would proceed as planned, with a launch expected on 11 April 2022.

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Public Transport Arotake Tuarua 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report July to December 2021.

von Dadelszen/Webber

CARRIED

7.1

Strategic Direction in 2022

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

· A subject matter expert had been engaged to review existing information on ferry service options from Ōmōkoroa to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, particularly through previous Priority One and Fullers work. This included patronage and peak demand data to explore a viable service.

Key Points - Members:

· If more resourcing was required to achieve a robust business case, this needed to be addressed as it would improve the ability to receive funding for investment.

In Response to Questions:

· Having a good business case process and prioritisation in place was key to support spatial planning and development for future communities

· Park and ride options would be examined through the business case process, however a park and ride service provided anywhere that did not restrict the supply and price of parking would be unlikely to succeed

· The challenge with the available data was getting it into a format to successfully analyse and provide the information required for business cases. In competing for funding, it was crucial to have a business case as robust as possible.

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Strategic Direction in 2022;

2 Endorses the Public Transport Committee Work Programme for 2022.

Nees/Thomass

CARRIED

Information Only

7.2

Improving Our Network

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

· The Transport Management System process would provide the data to make solid investment decisions, as well as giving those interested in public transport data a self-service way of accessing this.

In Response to Questions:

· The Transport Data Systems team was a new team established within Regional Council, who worked collaboratively with data teams across other councils, MOT and Waka Kotahi.

· The rationale behind changing Route 122 was to achieve as much coverage as possible across the urban area, whilst ensuring the service could be operated with one vehicle. Data would be further analysed to establish if there were sufficient wider benefits in the changes before the final proposal

· Consultation for the proposed route change would occur with the public and key stakeholders including the Visitor Centre, with the exact scope yet to be agreed.

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Improving Our Network.

Webber/Thomass

CARRIED

12:31 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Chairperson, Public Transport Committee



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi

Chairperson's Report

Executive Summary

This report highlights matters of interest that the Committee Chair considers to be relevant to the business of the Public Transport Committee.

The report includes updates on:

· National and local context - Regional Council Annual Plan, living wage adjustments for 2022, half price fares and implementation of a Community Services Card Concession, the National Emissions Reduction Plan;

· Public transport including patronage, Tauranga CBD interchange, security services, Bus Decarbonisation Feasibility Study and Transport Systems Roadmap updates.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this report is to make Committee members aware of items of interest in relation to public transport.

2. Matters of Potential Interest

2.1 Council Updates and National Context

2.1.1 Regional Council Annual Plan

On 23 June 2022 Regional Council will adopt its 2022/23 Annual Plan, of particular note relating to Public Transport are the following-

· Funding for the Bay of Plenty Transport Emissions Reduction Plan $285, 000 which will deliver a programme of greenhouse gas emission reduction obligations.

· Improving safety and security of Bus Service in Tauranga including:

- Up to $343,000 for bus service changes to support the relocation the Tauranga CBD interchange

- Temporarily changing the operating hours for the free fare trial for school children in Tauranga and Western BOP to 7.00 to 9am and when school finishes until 5pm.

- Up to $200,000 funding to increase the level of security at Willow Street/Durham Street and at Bayfair.

2.1.2 Living Wage

The current 2021/22 Living Wage is $22.75, which will increase to $23.65 on 1 September 2022. This Living Wage adjustment will be paid to all Council contracted bus drivers across the region.

The financial implications of the Living Wage contract adjustments are forecast within the Council’s Long Term Plan 2021-2031 Budget. Council has confirmed this decision as is part of the Annual Plan for 2022/23.

Waka Kotahi have allocated to the Continuous Programme $3,600,000 over NLTP 2021-24 (c. $1,200,000 per annum) for the living wage payments to bus drivers in the Bay of Plenty.

2.1.3 Half Price Fare Update

Earlier this year Central Government reduced council operated public transport services fares to half price from 1 April to 30 June. Central government met the cost of offering half price fares.

Through the recent budget announcement half price fares will continue until 31 August 2022.

Early data suggests the half price fares have encouraged an increase in patronage for the month of April. Patronage for the region (RITS only, excluding child tickets) has increased by an average of 15% on the average of the three weeks preceding the initiative.

2.1.4 Community Services Card Concession

As announced in the 2022 Central Government Budget, from 1 September 2022 public transport will be half-price with a Community Services Card.

In the Bay of Plenty there are approximately 74,000 CSC holders / potential customers (data from MSD) to whom we will need to deliver a new concession.

Councils have commenced discussions around implementation of this scheme. CSC Concession will work on Beecard, similar to Super Gold Card, i.e. customers could apply online and credentials would be checked with MSD.

However, preliminary discussion with INIT suggests that the September date will be difficult to meet and that this calendar year would be challenging. Councils will continue to jointly work with INIT and Waka Kotahi on this initiative.

2.1.5 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP)

The national Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) was published in May 2022.

Chapter 10 focuses on transport. Attachment A reproduces the full list of transport actions.

The long-term vision of the ERP is:

“By 2035, Aotearoa New Zealand will have significantly reduced transport-related carbon emissions and have a more accessible and equitable transport system that supports wellbeing.”

There are four ERP transport targets for 2035:

1. Reduce total kilometres travelled by light vehicle fleet by 20%;

2. Increase zero-emission vehicles to 30% of the light vehicle fleet;

3. Reduce emissions from freight transport by 35%; and

4. Reduce the emissions intensity of transport fuel by 10%.

The contribution of transport in the first emissions budget (2022-25) period is summarised as follows:

· Projected emissions without transport initiatives in the ERP: 66.5 Mt CO2-e; and

· Estimated emissions reductions from initiatives in the ERP: 1.7 to 1.9 Mt CO2-e.

Key ETP actions in relation to public transport include:

· Allocation of $61 million funding to increase bus driver wages as part of a plan to address the current labour shortages;

· Allocation of $138m funding (over 12 years) to support decarbonisation of the bus fleet to meet the 2035 government target;

· Production of a national public transport strategy;

· Implementation of the national public transport ticketing system;

· Consideration of improvements to, and opportunities for, inter-regional public transport services; and

· Implementation of changes to Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM).

2.2 Public Transport Update

2.2.1 Patronage Update

Bus Patronage for all services over the third quarter of 2021/22 was 515,316, which is down 16.5% on the same period 2020/21 and down 25.8% on 2019/20.

Tauranga moved to a reduced timetable on 21 February 2022 due to the reduced availability of bus drivers during the COVID Omicron outbreak. The year on year decline reflects, in part the ongoing, dynamic impact of COVID-19 alert system. Along with the rest of New Zealand, the Bay of Plenty moved to the COVID-19 red light setting on Sunday 23 January. The red setting required additional daily cleaning and touch-point cleaning, and face coverings remain mandatory.

More detail can be found in the Public Transport Arotake Tuatoru 2021-22 Performance Monitoring Report contained in the Agenda.

2.3 Regional Council Response to Driver Shortages

Council continues to operate a reduced timetable in Tauranga to address the current driver shortage. NZ Bus and Council have agreed to review the situation in August but until then a reduced timetable will remain in place. The exception to this is the dedicated school services which continue as normal.

Services in Rotorua returned to a full timetable on 4 April 2022 and services in Whakatane remained at a full timetable throughout this period.

2.3.1 Tauranga CBD Interchange

At the time of writing this report, the Tauranga CBD Interchange had just opened on Durham Street. All Regional Council funded bus routes have relocated from Willow Street to the temporary interchange. The transition went as well as could be expected, particularly given the wet weather conditions.

The relocation of the Willow Street interchange makes way for the development of the new civic precinct – Te Manawataki O Te Papa and is a temporary solution while a new permanent transportation hub is developed.

Measures to help keep bus users safe at the interchange include security guards on site, improved street lighting and the installation of CCTV cameras.

2.3.2 Security Services

Throughout the course of 2022, there was a dramatic increase in anti social behaviour particularly around Willow Street and Bayfair bus interchanges. At the Council meeting on 18 May Council committed to increasing security at these locations.

New security services have been in place since 16 May 2022 and we have seen a significant increase in the engagement with the public and anti-social youth and other individuals. There has been an immediate reduction in issues as a result of this shift and complaints have also reduced.

This security service will continue to be in place 365 days a year. Start and end times of shifts may vary during school holidays. A change, as a result of an incident beyond Council’s control, may be requested giving a minimum of 12 hours’ notice. Standard hours of operation currently stand as;

2.3.3 Bus Decarbonisation Feasibility Study

Work has commenced on developing a feasibility study on how the urban and school bus fleet in the Bay of Plenty will be decarbonised by 2035, in line with the Government mandate.

This is to include considerations around electric vs. hydrogen buses, biofuels, repurposing/recycling of the existing bus fleet, sustainable procurement of new Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs), depot design, driver training and more.

The product to be created through the feasibility study is a Programme Business Case (PBC), which will set out a short list of options for consideration by a future Detailed Business Case (DBC).

In this way, the bus decarbonisation work demonstrates compliance with the Waka Kotahi Business Case Approach (BCA).

A consultant has been appointed and preliminary work is currently underway.

A more thorough update on progress made on the feasibility study development will be provided to the next Public Transport Committee meeting in September.

2.3.4 Transport Systems Road Map

A road map for transport systems is being developed, this will help to provide relevant data in a more timely manner, to keep governance, partners and stakeholders be better informed.

Implementation of the road map will enable more easily accessible data on the:

· Measurement and enforcement of bus contract Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – for example reliability and punctuality;

· Assessment of customer complaints and identification of trends;

· Provision and dissemination of timely / accurate information to public transport users (especially when there is disruption);

· Assessment of overall system performance, including patronage, farebox recovery and vehicle emissions;

· Assessment of financial / revenue impact of policy changes (for example in relation to fares and service frequencies);

· Analysis and tracking of Service Level Variations (SLVs) for contract changes; and

· Provision of information that is easily accessible to a range of stakeholders.

Proposed initiatives and solutions include: Dashboards (e.g Leapthought), a data warehouse, increased quality control and meta data records.



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Writer:	Bron Healey, Principal Advisor, Regional Development and Amanda Namana, Committee Advisor
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Purpose:	To seek the Committee’s approval to release the draft Regional Public Transport Plan for public consultation and to appoint a Hearings Sub-committee

Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 for Public Consultation

Executive Summary

This report seeks approval from the Public Transport Committee to release the draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 for public consultation. Direction is also sought on the appointment of a Hearings Subcommittee to hear and deliberate on submissions on the draft Plan.

The Regional Public Transport Plan is the key statutory document for public transport planning and investment in the region, and must be reviewed as soon as practicable after the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan is finalised (June 2021).

The draft Plan has been prepared following a comprehensive review process, including a series of four workshops with the Committee covering all aspects of the draft document, and regular meetings and workshops with a multi-agency project team. There have also been opportunities for public and key stakeholder input through public and targeted engagement activities.

The draft Regional Public Transport Public has been structured in accordance with Land Transport Management Act content requirements, while aligning with national and regional policy direction, and taking into account Waka Kotahi guidance.

A decision to release the draft Plan for public consultation at the current meeting will provide the opportunity to seek Regional Council approval of the RPTP at the final Council meeting of the triennium on 29 September.

If approved for release, public submissions on the draft Regional Public Transport Plan will be accepted between 4-29 July.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 for Public Consultation;

2 Approves the draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032, including any amendments arising from discussion of the report, for public consultation in accordance with the requirements of the Land Transport Management Act 2003;

3 Authorises the General Manager, Strategy and Science, in consultation with the Chair where appropriate, to make any necessary minor amendments to the draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 prior to its release to the public;

4 Appoints an RPTP subcommittee to undertake hearings and deliberations on the draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032, for recommendation to the Public Transport Committee;

5 Appoints _______________ as the RPTP subcommittee members, and ______________ as the two alternate members.

1. Introduction

This report seeks approval from the Public Transport Committee (PTC) to release the draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 (RPTP) attached in Appendix 1 for public consultation.

The RPTP is the key statutory document for public transport planning and investment in the region, and must be reviewed as soon as practicable after the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan is finalised (which was June 2021).

The RPTP takes a 10+ year strategic view of public transport with a particular focus on the first three years. In doing so, the RPTP describes:

· what we want our public transport system to achieve (our long-term vision and objectives);

· how we propose to get there (the strategies, focus areas, policies and actions that will help us achieve our goals); and

· the public transport services we propose to provide in order to address our key policy objectives.

The draft RPTP has been prepared following a comprehensive review process. The review has included:

· a series of four workshops with the PTC covering all aspects of the draft document;

· an early engagement process seeking the public’s views on a range of key policy matters in the RPTP;

· targeted engagement with public transport operators and the Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Community Panel through online workshops;

· regular meetings and workshops with a multi-agency project team comprising Regional Council, city and district council, and Waka Kotahi representatives.

1.1 Legislative Framework

The Land Transport Management Act (LTMA) provides the legislative framework for the development and renewal of RPTPs. The RPTP is a statutory requirement of the LTMA and a regional council must adopt an RPTP if it intends to enter into contracts for the supply of public transport services. The LTMA requires the RPTP to be reviewed at the same time, or as soon as practicable after the public transport service components of a Regional Land Transport Plan are approved.

The statutory purpose of the RPTP is:

· a means for encouraging regional councils and public transport operators to work together in developing public transport services and infrastructure,

· an instrument for engaging with the public in the region on the design and operation of the public transport network, and

· to provide a statement of:

o the public transport services that are integral to the public transport network,

o the policies and procedures that apply to those services, and

o the information and infrastructure that support those services.

The RPTP must be prepared in accordance with provisions within the LTMA and any guidance provided by Waka Kotahi.

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region

We lead regional transport strategy and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Low - Positive

þ Cultural

Low - Positive

þ Social

Medium - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

Public transport planning and delivery has positive social and economic outcomes for our communities. Well planned and effective public transport enables people of all ages and abilities to access a wide range of social and economic activities.

Public transport contributes to positive environmental outcomes through reduced transport emissions when people choose to take public transport instead of private vehicle trips. These environmental outcomes are further enhanced when the public transport trip is in a zero emission vehicle.

Public transport also contributes to positive cultural outcomes (refer to the Implications for Māori section of this report).

2. The draft Plan

The strategic flow of the draft RPTP is depicted in the following figure.

Figure 1 Regional Public Transport Plan strategic flow

The draft Plan is structured in order to:

· establish the regional context for public transport;

· identify a number of key public transport challenges and opportunities for the region;

· describe the current network and highlight recent developments;

· present a vision for public transport in the region;

· identify a set of objectives and targets grouped according to the themes shown in Figure 2;

· describe six focus areas which define how we will work to deliver the RPTP;

· outline future public transport strategies for each sub-region: Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and the Eastern Bay of Plenty;

· propose 50 policies and associated actions organised under the objectives and designed to implement the Plan; and

· describe our approach to monitoring and reviewing the RPTP.

Figure 2 Regional Public Transport Plan objectives

The content in the draft RPTP has evolved as the PTC provided direction throughout the workshop process. Changes made to the draft Plan since the final workshop on 11 May are detailed in Appendix 2. PTC members have had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on various iterations of the RPTP, including the draft version presented in this report.

The draft RPTP in Appendix 1 is a working document. Regional Council staff are currently preparing a designed version of the Plan, along with a summary statement of proposal (an executive summary of the full plan). These documents will be released for public consultation on the 4 July providing the draft RPTP is approved by the PTC at this meeting.

3. Timeline

The RPTP consultation and approval timeline is detailed below. A decision to release the draft RPTP for consultation at the current meeting will provide the opportunity to seek Regional Council approval of the RPTP at the final Council meeting of the triennium on 29 September.

Figure 3 RPTP consultation and approval timeline

Action	Date
PTC approves draft RPTP for public consultation	23 June
Prepare documents for public release	24 June – 1 July
Submission period	4-29 July
Summary of submissions	1-5 August
Hearings Subcommittee review of hearings agenda including all submissions	8-12 August
Hearings	17,19,22 August
Prepare staff recommendations	17-24 August
Hearings Subcommittee review of deliberations agenda including recommendations	25-30 August
Deliberations	31 August, 1 September
Hearings Subcommittee recommendations report	2-7 September
PTC Chair reviews Hearings Subcommittee recommendations	8-9 September
Draft RPTP and Hearings Subcommittee report included in PTC agenda	12-13 September
PTC recommends RPTP to Regional Council	22 September
Regional Council approves final RPTP	29 September

4. Hearings and deliberations

Hearings on the draft RPTP are scheduled for timeslots on 17, 19 and 22 August respectively. Similarly, time for deliberations is allocated on the 31 August and 1 September as required. Placeholder calendar appointments have previously been sent to all members.

Staff recommend that a representative Hearings Subcommittee of PTC members is appointed for the purposes of hearing and deliberating on submissions on the draft RPTP. Direction is sought on the membership of that Subcommittee, staff recommend this be comprised of the Chair, a member from each sub-region and two alternate members.

5. Considerations

5.1 Risks and Mitigations

The following table shows potential risks and mitigations that have been identified and are being actively managed in the review process.

*Risk*	*Mitigations*
Confusion about the role of the RPTP review project and how it relates to all the other ‘public transport initiatives’.	· Identify and describe key dependencies. · Early communication with key stakeholders on scope of RPTP review, relationship with other initiatives.
Some sectors of the community unhappy with the policies in the RPTP as the review progresses and concludes.	· Early engagement with community on RPTP review. · Clear communication on the benefits of implementing the policies.
Unable to achieve key stakeholder buy-in.	· Early communication with key stakeholders on scope of RPTP review, relationship with other initiatives. · Establish and maintain a multi-agency project team.
Project team unable to complete work due to other commitments / conflicting demands on their time.	· Champion project as a priority in the Regional Council work programme. · Active project management approach to maintain momentum.
Policy positions required in key areas and topics to inform other work ahead of RPTP timing.	· Adopt an adaptive, flexible approach to developing the policy positions. · Focus on ‘doing the thinking’ to support multiple public transport-related projects and programmes.
Rapid and fundamental shift in assumptions underpinning the Plan - economic trends, travel behaviour, transport costs and revenues, technological change, catastrophic event (e.g. pandemic, natural disaster).	· Horizon scanning. · Continue to develop an understanding of the local level impacts of COVID-19 on public transport.
Services identified as being integral to the public transport network are not operated as planned due to external factors e.g. driver shortages, major road works, traffic congestion and a lack of public transport priority, thus undermining public confidence in the system.	· Continue to work with operators and partner agencies on an integrated approach to the provision of public transport services and infrastructure. · Joint development and implementation of management plans for parts of the public transport network subject to significant disruption.

5.2 Climate Change

Public transport contributes to reduced GHG emissions because many people in one vehicle produce less emissions than the same number of people in several cars. GHG emissions are reduced further when the public transport trip is in a zero emission vehicle.

The Government has announced its plans to decarbonise the public transport bus fleet. The Government’s commitment is to:

· require only zero-emission public transport buses to be purchased by 2025; and

· target the decarbonisation of the public transport bus fleet by 2035.

The Regional Council is undertaking a bus fleet decarbonisation feasibility study to understand the opportunities and constraints of increasing the size of the zero emission fleet as bus service contracts are renewed and achieving a fully emissions free public transport bus fleet by 2035.

5.3 Implications for Māori

Public transport has positive effects for Māori through improved accessibility and choice of transport options. This enables Māori to have better access to essential services and opportunities, including employment, education and health care both within major urban centres and between smaller settlements and larger centres.

The RPTP review supports taking an integrated and transparent approach to the provision of public transport services. The project team includes Maori Policy expertise, and engaging with Māori is an important part of the engagement approach that has been developed.

5.4 Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

Fundamental to the stated purpose of an RPTP in the LTMA is its function as an instrument for engaging with the public in the region on the design and operation of the public transport network.

A consultation and engagement plan has been developed for the RPTP. The plan provides for a broad range of activities that offer both online and face to face (COVID-19 dependent) participation opportunities. This is to ensure equal and reasonable participation opportunities for different stakeholders.

We will use Participate as the key activity platform for engagement with the general public. Participate is an online platform used to educate users on projects and gather feedback. This will provide stakeholders and members of the public with information on the RPTP and gives users the opportunity to make submissions.

Beyond using Participate we are planning to undertake tailored consultation and engagement activities to seek feedback. Activities include:

· Consultation activities – variety of online activities including targeted Facebook posts, introductory video campaign, website, paper and newsletter prints. Printed RPTP and summary documents made available.

· Engagement activities – formal notification to all key stakeholders of engagement, more general activities also include online webinars, community drop-in sessions etc.

All activities outlined in the plan are to be carried out in accordance with the consultation requirements set out in Section 125 of the LTMA.

Tangata Whenua will be specifically engaged in advance and throughout the formal consultation period (4 July – 29 July). This will include reporting to Komiti Māori, and direct engagement by Council staff.

5.5 Financial Implications

If the recommendation is adopted by Council, will it result in:

If the answer is ‘no’ to both questions please select the dropdown option 1 and complete appropriately.

If the answer is ‘yes’ to either question please select “Budget Implications” in the building block below and liaise with your Management Accountant in order to complete the Financial Impact table.

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

6. Next Steps

Next Steps: What next? What resources are needed? Further analysis? Timeframes ahead. Any consultation planned. Remind Council of the process ahead. Next update to Council?

Conclusion: Short concluding remarks. Referring back to recommendations. No new content.

Providing the PTC makes a decision to release the draft RPTP for public consultation at this meeting, the next steps in the process will be to:

· Finalise the consultation documents (draft RPTP and summary statement).

· Prepare the Participate online consultation portal to ‘go live’ on 4 July.

· Commence proposed RPTP consultation and engagement activities.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-2032 ⇩

Attachment 2 - Record of RPTP amendments following Public Transport Committee Workshop - 11 May 2022 ⇩



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Writer:	Robert Pronk, Transport Advisor
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Purpose:	Contract Renewal

Contract Renewal of 85 Connector Bus Service

Executive Summary

A Waihi Beach trial passenger transport service has been running since October 2015, the contract is currently up for renewal. The service provides a critical link between Waihī, Waihī Beach and Katikati, in a continuous loop. Staff seek support for the continuation of the two day per week service. Noting funding has been accommodated within the 2022/23 Annual Plan.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Contract Renewal of 85 Connector Bus Service;

That the Public Transport Committee recommends that the Regional Council:

1 Endorses the continuation of Waihi Beach passenger transport service

as a permanent two day a week service for a further 12 months;

2 Notes that associated funding has been included in the 2022-2023 Annual Plan.

1. Introduction

At the Public Transport Committee Meeting on 8 February 2019, it was agreed that the current configuration of the Waihi Beach trial passenger transport service had been successful and endorsed its continuation as a permanent two day a week service for the 2019-2020 year.

Allocated funding of $57,000 in the 2019-2020 Annual Plan and subsequent years.

Confirmed that the decision has a medium level of significance as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Council had identified and assessed different options and considered community views as part of making the decision, in proportion to the level of significance

The service provides an important social link between Katikati, Waihī Beach and Waihī and staff recommend it be continued into the future. The Annual Plan budget contains $58,000 for 2022/23 for this contract renewal.

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment
Freshwater for Life
Safe and Resilient Communities
A Vibrant Region	We lead regional transport strategy and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.
The Way We Work	We provide great customer service.

This work contributes to a vibrant region through the delivery of the public transport system in linking Katikati, Waihī Beach and Waihī.

1.1.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Medium - Positive

¨ Cultural

þ Social

High - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

By providing more frequent and direct links between Katikati, Waihī Beach and Waihī, Council is enabling residents in these communities to stay connected with each other and is particularly beneficial for people who do not have access to a private car. The service is important in providing towns outside of urban areas with access to essential community goods and services.

2. Waihī Beach Trial Service

2.1 Background

The Waihī Beach Trial service was originally approved as a result of submissions received on the Draft 2015 – 2025 Long Term Plan. The original trial began operating in October 2015 as an extension to the Katikati Shopper service. It was replaced by a second trial service in January 2017 which was a direct route from Waihi Beach to Tauranga CBD on Fridays only.

A third version of the service started in October 2017, under the name “Town Connector”. This service is operated by an 11- seat van and has been well supported by the community.

On 8 February 2019 the Public Transport Committee agreed that the current configuration of the Waihi Beach trial passenger transport service had been successful and endorsed its continuation as a permanent two day a week service.

Occasional alterations to the timetable have been made in consultation with the operator and community to ensure that the service continues to be flexible and responsive to need.

The service currently connects Waihī, Waihī Beach and Katikati, in a continuous loop four times a day, two days a week (excluding public holidays).

2.2 Patronage

Patronage has been steady and in the last 12 months (from June 21 to May 22) has resulted in total patronage of 871.

Table 1: Number of passengers per month

Month	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May
Patronage	87	78	43	48	72	98	66	68	81	97	73	60

The service operates two days a week, completing four loops around the circuit linking Waihī, Waihī Beach and Katikati. The average patronage for the last 12 months remains steady at 9 per day, being similar to previous years despite the impacts of Covid 19.

These patronage figures are comparable to other routes that link other isolated communities in the Bay such as Matatā. For these communities, there is a social benefit for people who do not have access to a private car.

2.3 Fare Return and Operating Subsidy

Fares have been set at a flat rate of $5 per trip (which is comparable to Council’s other rural services), with a concession rate of $3 per trip for seniors and children aged 5 to 15 years. Under five years travel free.

Half Price fares was also introduced from 1 April 2022 and is reflected in the fare returns for April and May this year. This government funded scheme is scheduled to end in August 2022.

Of the 871 passengers that have used the service in the last 12 months, 521 (60%) were Seniors, 193 (22%) (from July 21) were Accessibility card holders, 136 (16%) were adults and 20 (2%) were children.

This translates to a low fare return (see below).

Table 2: Total Fare Return per Month from June 2021

Month	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May
Farebox $	301	218	88	105	195	252	144	216	191	235	92	86

There is a risk that raising the fares or removing the concession fare would deter patronage and there would not be significant gain in the fare revenue returned.

By providing more frequent and direct links between Katikati and Waihī Beach and between Waihī Beach and Waihī, Council is enabling residents in these communities to stay connected with each other and is particularly beneficial for people who do not have access to a private car.

2.4 Has the Service Been Successful

The ‘Accessibility’ policy in the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) provides specifically for public transport services that provide access to essential community goods and services.

These services are designed to provide the rural transport-disadvantaged in areas outside the Tauranga and Rotorua urban areas with access to essential community goods and services.

The Town Connector service supports working with rural or isolated communities to develop targeted services.

An aging population and isolated communities are two of the challenges facing the Region and section 3.12 of the RPTP specifically refers to the transport disadvantaged being those who are the least able to travel to basic community activities and services (for example, work, education, health care, welfare and shopping).

Measured against these parameters, the Town Connector service continues to be, successful providing an essential link for the transport disadvantaged, including the elderly, and enables access to services such as supermarkets, doctors, dentists, welfare services and social destinations.

There are regular passengers who use this service to connect with route 80 that travels between Katikati and Tauranga.

Recent community engagement saw staff complete a presentation to approximately 18 people from the members of the local RSA and was well received and appreciated by all. As a result an additional 18 Bee cards where issued and there has been a request from our operator to run a larger bus for 1 day to allow members of the RSA to experience the service.

The current contract has been running for 5 years with no increases in the contract price or daily rate since 2017. The operator is well known and respected in the community and passengers really enjoy their travel and often groups will travel together for social outings. Waihī Beach passengers are using the service to access medical services in Katikati, and many are using the service to access supermarkets in Katikati and Waihī. Residents of both Waihī and Katikati are able to use the service for a day out at Waihī Beach.

There are also regular passengers using the link to the Katikati Express 80 service, and passengers booking their InterCity tickets to Waihī to coincide with the Town Connector service to get to Waihī Beach.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

The only risk is a potential budget overspend, depending on increasing operational costs (fuel, labour and vehicle maintenance costs). It is anticipated that any potential overspend could be accommodated within overall budget for Western bay PT services for the 2022/2023 year.

The continuation of this service has positive social, health and environmental impacts, and is particularly beneficial for people who do not have access to a private car, enabling residents in these communities’ access to medical services and to stay connected with each other.

3.2 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☒	☒

This service has the potential to help reduce climate change impact by reducing the number of vehicles using the road. The service will also benefit from council’s climate change action plan and decarbonisation policy currently under development.

3.3 Implications for Māori

There are no negative impacts on the Maori community. A positive impact will be the continuation of the service benefits the whole community including Māori.

3.4 Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

3.5 Financial Implications

If the recommendation is adopted by Council, will it result in:

If the answer is ‘no’ to both questions please select the dropdown option 1 and complete appropriately.

Budget of $58,000 has been included in Annual Plan 2022-2023 for ND Kiwi Tours, Katikati to Waihī Beach service currently known as the 85 Town Connector.

This budget continues over the ten-year plan, increasing with inflation.

The cost, net of fees and charges and other revenue, is funded 51% from Waka Kotahi as part of the continuous programme. The remainder is funded from Targeted Rates.

3.5.1 Current year budget

This work is being undertaken within the current budget for the Passenger Transport Activity in the Annual Plan 2022/23.

3.5.2 Future Budget Implications

Council’s 2021-2031 Long Term Plan does contain specific budgeted expenditure for the Waihī Beach service from year two onwards. Any additional costs will be budgeted into future Long-Term Plans or Annual Plans. Note this contract will end on 30 June 2023.

4. Next Steps

Next Steps: What next? What resources are needed? Further analysis? Timeframes ahead. Any consultation planned. Remind Council of the process ahead. Next update to Council?

Conclusion: Short concluding remarks. Referring back to recommendations. No new content.

Staff recommend council extend the current contract for a further 12 months.

It is understood that Waikato Regional Council are seeking to develop a linked service for Paeroa to Waihī. This would provide an extended service to meet community needs of both regions.

There are some Land Transport Management Act process issues still to be worked through due to the service being cross-boundary. Staff continue to work with New Zealand Transport Agency and Waikato Regional Council staff to determine if there is the possibility of a co-funding arrangement being reached. This will be worked through with the development of linked services from Paeroa.



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Writer:	Oliver Haycock, Team Leader - Service Planning and Project Deliver
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Purpose:	Present the draft findings of the feasibility study.

Western Bay of Plenty Ferries Feasibility Study

Executive Summary

Building on previous work undertaken by Priority One, a study has been undertaken by Regional Council to further investigate the feasibility of ferry services as part of the public transport service across the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region.

The work has concluded that there is a case for ferry services however there is no “risk-free, low cost” option that could be delivered in the short-term that would likely be attractive for customers. All options had a number of issues and risks. The key findings are as follows:

· The success of a ferry service is dependent on several moving parts including the frequency of services, the competitiveness of the journey relative to other modes and the supporting infrastructure (wharf upgrades and parking).

· The delivery of supporting infrastructure is the responsibility of Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Council and funding is currently programmed between 2026 and 2030 through their respective Long Term Plans. The scope of the supporting infrastructure is currently unconfirmed.

· It is recommended that infrastructure be in place to attract potential customers. At this time, without the required infrastructure upgrades, there is a risk that potential customers are not attracted to the ferry service option.

Next steps would be to continue working with partners and key stakeholders, particularly Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The purpose of this report is to present the draft findings of the Ferries Feasibility Study.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Western Bay of Plenty Ferries Feasibility Study;

2 Notes the draft findings of the Western Bay of Plenty Ferries Feasibility Study.

1. Introduction

In 2020, Priority One undertook work to consider the feasibility of introducing two ferry services; one between Ōmōkoroa and Tauranga CBD and another between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga CBD. The Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI) and the agreed Connected Centres Programme indicated that further work should be completed to explore ferries as an alternative transport option. As a public transport option, the responsibility of delivery such a service falls within the remit of Bay of Plenty Regional Council with supporting infrastructure to be provided by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Staff have undertaken further investigations from the perspective of the public transport planner and funder, building on the Priority One work, to consider the viability of ferry services in the short term, in particular to understand the financial implications. The study has sought to confirm if there is a compelling case for ferry services in the Western Bay sub-region and whether now is the right time to progress such an initiative.

1.1 Legislative Framework

Regional Council is responsible for funding public transport services under Part 5 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA).

The overall purpose of the LTMA is to contribute to an effective, efficient and safe land transport system in the public interest. Section 115 of the LTMA includes a set of principles that are intended to guide the actions of regional councils in undertaking their public transport functions.

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region	We lead regional transport strategy and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.
The Way We Work	We continually seek opportunities to innovate and improve.

The responsibility for the delivery of public transport sits with the Regional Council. Further provision of passenger ferry services may provide an attractive and innovative travel choice for customers.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Low - Positive

þ Cultural

Low - Positive

þ Social

Low - Positive

þ Economic

Low - Positive

· Environment – There is the potential for a well utilised ferry service to emit significantly less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre compared with single-occupancy private car.

· Cultural – The ferry services could serve communities with high Māori populations and are an essential service for people who do not have access to a private car.

· Social – Ferry services could provide access to jobs, education, services and social opportunities without the need for a private car.

· Economic – If well-used, ferries could remove single-occupancy private cars from the transport network, enabling a more efficient use of highway space and potential to reduce congestion on key routes.

2. Feasibility Study Findings

Experience of operating ferries in Auckland indicates that trip time savings, parking availability, frequency and capacity are key drivers of patronage. The market research undertaken by Priority One also indicates that the cost (fare) charged to use the ferry would also affect the travel decisions.

The study investigated a number of ferry service options looking at peak hour trips by commuters, interpeak and weekend trips. A summary of the different options and how they compare is set out in the appended report.

The key finding is that there is no “low-risk, low-cost” option which could be progressed imminently. The success of any option is dependent on supporting infrastructure.

For the Ōmōkoroa-CBD service, whilst the use of a small vessel means that significant upgrades would not be required in the immediate future, parking availability is the biggest constraint. For the Mount-CBD service, the parking constraints have been acknowledged and the aim is to attract customers to the wharf by foot, bike and bus, however a significant upgrade is needed to Salisbury Wharf before any frequent passenger service could be launched. Funding for such supporting infrastructure is not programmed until 2026 to 2030.

A small-scale trial of a ferry service could be considered, but there are some key risks to overcome.

The draft study has concluded that the introduction of ferry services across the Western Bay rely on a partner approach to ensure all critical elements can be delivered together. Further discussion needs to take place with Tauranga City Council, Waka Kotahi and Western Bay District Council to align programmes of work and agree timing of delivery.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

There are a number of key risks related to the introduction of ferry services in the short-term including:

· There is currently no funding pathway for the next steps via the National Land Transport Fund. Noting the national financial constraints, engagement with Waka Kotahi is advised to better understand the possibility of the project being varied into the 2021-24 National Land Transport Plan. The alternative option is to progress the development of the business case without funding assistance from Waka Kotahi.

· The ability to provide an attractive, convenient, and competitive travel option is compromised by the lack of supporting infrastructure. Primarily these are the availability of parking and ensuring the end-to-end trip is attractive and competitive to the private car, as well as upgrades to the wharves to enable their use by medium to large sized vessels. The current Long-Term Plans for both Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Council indicate 2026 as the earliest opportunity for funding (with the majority of funding programmed for 2028 onwards).

· The customer base may not be sufficient to support the Ōmōkoroa-CBD ferry service. Furthermore, in the medium term, works to improve State Highway 2 at Ōmōkoroa and expected completion of the Takitimu North Link Stage One (Tauranga to Te Puna) in 2026, along with the possibility of a Park and Ride site at Ōmōkoroa, could encourage customers to continue to travel by car rather than chose the ferry option.

· The ability to source the right type of vessels is not easy. Market conditions may result in either delays or inflated costs. Furthermore, the availability of alternative fuelled / decarbonised vessels is very low. Whilst Council may wish to consider electric or other vessels, it should be noted that technology is emerging and there are risks associated with this.

3.2 Climate Change

The introduction of ferry services across the Western Bay supports the Regional Land Transport Plan’s key priorities of climate change and better transport choices. As an alternative travel option, the ferry services will help reduce the need to travel by private vehicle and thus reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☐	☐

3.3 Implications for Māori

3.4 Community Engagement

No community engagement has been undertaken at this time however the findings of the market survey that was undertaken by Priority One has been integral to the study considerations. Whilst there was support for ferry services in the 2020 survey, it should be noted that pricing, parking availability, capacity, connectivity to bus system, weather and overall commute times are key issues that customers consider important.

Discussions occurred with Priority 1 and Western Bay of Plenty District Council in the development of this work.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are significant financial implications for Regional Council both in terms of capital costs to purchase vessels and annual operating costs. Initial high-level analysis estimates capital costs at between$8.8m - $16.9m, and an operating subsidy requirement of between $1.6m - $7.8m, depending on the size, scale and quality of the scheme implemented.

There is currently no budget in Council’s Long-Term Plan or Annual Plan for the development of a business case. Subject to the direction of the Public Transport Committee and Council then future funding would need to be considered through Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan processes.

4. Next Steps

Subject to feedback from the Public Transport Committee and the direction provided, the following next steps are recommended:

· Discussions are undertaken with Waka Kotahi, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Council to collectively agree timeframes for a business case and to recheck whether 2026-2028 is still the preferred timing of supporting infrastructure to align with the launch of ferry services. We recommend this occur through the Transport System Plan partnership to jointly agree timing.

Following discussions with partners either-

a) seek formal approval to proceed with a Business Case from respective parties and then provide for associated funding through future Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes. Or

b) If a decision is not given to proceed then review regularly as part of the TSP review of work programme priorities.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Tauranga & Western Bay of Plenty Ferries Feasibility Study DRAFT (v0.2) ⇩



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Writer:	Oliver Haycock, Team Leader - Service Planning and Project Deliver
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Purpose:	To provide an update on the initial finding of the Rotorua Network Refresh Public Consultation

Rotorua Network Refresh: Public Consultation - Initial Findings

Executive Summary

This report provides an update on the initial findings of the Rotorua Network Refresh Public Consultation.

Staff are now working to analyse feedback received via all channels, which will be considered in the recommendations for the Public Transport Committee to consider at its September 2022 meeting.

The bus network refresh exercise in Rotorua aims to make better use of existing resources.

The refresh proposes to consolidate the existing eleven routes into five, as well as improving access to both the Central Mall and various locations within the Central Business District. The five new routes would provide broadly the same network coverage and potentially deliver significant cost savings.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Network Refresh: Public Consultation - Initial Findings.

1. Introduction

The Rotorua bus network has been under review as a result of concerns over the long-term decline in patronage, and also a recognition of the need to revise a network that has been the same since 2016.

Previous committee direction and action is summarised as follows:

Date	Direction / Action from Public Transport Committee
27 November 2020	Public consultation on the Rotorua Public Transport Review prioritised for autumn 2021
07 March – 07 April 2021	Public consultation on the Rotorua Public Transport Review took place[1]
27 May 2021	Noted results of public consultation and inclusion of the “Balanced Network” option in the council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP)
26 August 2021	Noted content of Strategic Direction report, which included the Rotorua bus network refresh
30 November 2021	Noted that public consultation on the Rotorua Bus Network Refresh would take place mid-2022.

As a result of COVID-19 the consultation was pushed back to April / May 2022 in order to provide the opportunity for “on the ground” engagement.

Increases in funding for the Rotorua bus services through the Low Cost Low Risk (LCLR) programme weren’t received as part of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) which was published in August 2021. This means that any service improvements from the Balanced Approach are not fully funded and further consideration is needed.

1.1 Legislative Framework

Regional Council is responsible for funding public transport services under Part 5 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA).

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region	We lead regional transport strategy and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.
The Way We Work	We deliver value to our ratepayers and our customers.

The refresh project is a key project within the public transport work programme of the Regional Council. The aim of the refresh project is to make better use of ratepayer funding, by making services more attractive to the passenger.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

¨ Environmental

Medium - Positive

¨ Cultural

Medium - Positive

¨ Social

High - Positive

¨ Economic

Medium - Positive

· Environment – When buses are well-used they emit significantly less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometre compared with single-occupancy private car.

· Cultural – Bus services serve communities with high Māori populations and are an essential service for people who do not have access to a private car.

· Social – Bus services provide access to jobs, education, services and social opportunities without the need for a private car.

· Economic – If well-used buses are very efficient users of road space compared with single-occupancy private car.

2. Consultation Summary

Feedback was sought from the community during a comprehensive campaign held from 26 April to 24 May 2022. This was done via a variety of channels.

The target number of responses for this consultation was 80, with a stretch target of 100. At the time of writing this report, 196 responses have been logged.

The appended report offers a summary of feedback submitted either online or via physical surveys. As these channels collate responses against a structured series of questions, initial analysis of these submissions has been quicker.

Staff are now working to analyse feedback received via all channels, which will be considered in the recommendations for an implementable network put to the Public Transport Committee, envisaged for September 2022.

Key feedback includes -

· Support for Route A Lakefront CBD particularly via Vaughan Road

· Mixed feedback received on Route B Ngongotahā – Hospital- Toi Ohomai – TihiTonga

· Support for Route C Mitchell Downs – CBD – Springfield

· Mixed feedback on Route D Kawaha Point – Selwyn Heights – CBD – Sunnybrook/Westbrook

· Support for Route E Holdens Bay – Lynmore – CBD

· Feedback from businesses concerned regarding the potential locaiton of new bus stops on Arawa Street and Amohia Street.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

Stakeholder Risks

With any change to the network, some people will have faster and more direct journeys, whilst others may be adversely affected. The proposed public consultation will be a good opportunity to identify the latter group of people and put in place mitigation strategies.

Communications

As with any change, communication will be important to ensure that people understand what the revised network looks like, and how it could benefit them. Testing and refining key messages with partners like Rotorua Lakes Council will be important.

Infrastructure

Bus stops are not necessarily easy to install, as they require the consent of both the Road Controlling Authority and also any adjacent property owners. Further work is needed in conjunction with partners Rotorua Lakes Council to identify and deliver the optimum locations.

Funding

Whilst it is not anticipated services will require additional revenue, capital funding for new bus stop infrastructure will be required. Identification of this funding will require joint working with Rotorua Lakes Council (who have some funding in the LTP) and Waka Kotahi.

Contract Management

Whilst there are potential opportunities for financial savings, operators have signed contracts with the council and therefore cost reductions would have to be achieved by negotiation. The opportunity to redeploy vehicles, staff time and service mileage to new trial routes would need to be worked through.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an ever present risk – both to successful completion of the project and also to implementation of the changes. Regional Council has contingency plans in place if needed.

3.2 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☐	☐

Promotion of bus travel will make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

3.3 Implications for Māori

Rotorua has a large Māori population and many communities continue to rely on bus services to access jobs, services and social opportunities. The simplification of the network should provide the opportunity to have a positive conversation with tangata whenua around how buses could integrate into their lifestyles further.

3.4 Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

We have now undertaken public consultation and are considering detailed feedback from the community.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are no financial implications for revenue budgets, as the aim of the refresh is to provide a more attractive modal chose for customers and to optimise existing spend, with any cost savings potentially invested in additional trial services under the Balanced Approach.

4. Next Steps

Following the conclusion of the public consultation exercise, staff will now seek to:

· Fully analyse the responses received from the consultation exercise;

· Consider changes to routing and stop locations;

· Engage with Rotorua Lakes DC and Waka Kotahi to develop plans for new / supporting infrastructure; and,

· Develop a deliverable plan to present back to the Public Transport Committee for approval to implement.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Rotorua Refresh - Consultation Initial Findings ⇩



Report To:	Public Transport Committee
Meeting Date:	23 June 2022
Report Writer:	Jessica Easton, Legal and Commercial Manager
Report Authoriser:	Mat Taylor, General Manager, Corporate
Purpose:	To provide an overview of performance monitoring for Public Transport in the Bay of Plenty for the quarter ended 31 March 2022.

Public Transport Arotake Tuatoru 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022

Executive Summary

This report provides an overview of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s performance monitoring for Public Transport as set out in the Bay of Plenty Public Transport Plan for the 2021/22 financial year.

Attached as Appendix 1 to this report, is our monitoring report Public Transport Arotake Tuatahi 2021/22 – 1 July to 31 March 2022. Public Transport Arotake brings together information and data for Public Transport across the region and includes the following sections:

· Executive Summary – includes high level patronage overview over the reporting period along with financial and non-financial performance information;

· Public Transport Updates – including updates on bus services, and an overview of patronage, reliability and customer experience;

· Customer experience updates;

· Technology – including an overview of the Regional Integrated Ticketing System and the Bee Card;

· Total Mobility updates; and

· Finance - detailed financial information for key areas within the Transportation Group of Activities budget.

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1 Receives the report, Public Transport Arotake Tuatoru 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022.

1. Introduction

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region

We lead regional transport strategy and system planning, working with others to deliver a safe and reliable public transport system.

1.1.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Low - Positive

þ Cultural

Low - Positive

þ Social

Medium - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

2. Public Transport Arotake Tuatoru

2.1 Patronage Highlights

Bus Patronage for all services over the period of this report (Q3 2021/22) was 515,316, which is down 16.5% on the same period 2020/21 and down 25.8% on 2019/20. Tauranga moved to a reduced timetable on 21 February 2022 due to the reduced availability of bus drivers during the COVID Omicron outbreak in New Zealand. The year on year decline reflects, in part the ongoing, dynamic impact of COVID-19 alert system.

The Tauranga network (Urban and School) patronage for the reporting period decreased 17.1% on the same period last year and 22.6% on 2019/20. Passenger patronage on the urban network alone was 285,035 a decrease of 20.9% on last year and 35.4% on 2019/20.

Patronage for the school network services in Tauranga saw 145,371 trips taken, down 8.8% on last year and up 27.1% on 2019/20. Of note, there were 65,185 trips taken in February making this the highest patronage for the month February since the inception of the Bayhopper School Bus network.

In Rotorua, patronage for the reporting period was 17.6% lower than the same period 2020/21, and 45.9% down on 2019/20. Council is refreshing the urban bus network in Rotorua and currently inviting feedback from the community. This project will improve the existing bus routes and also change the way buses circulate in the City Centre.

In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, patronage was down 5.5% on the same period last year and 49.4% down on 2019/20.

The regional school fare free trial is showing:

· comparative growth in Rotorua for the first two months of the new school year compared to 2021 with an increase in patronage of 8.8%; and

· reduced patronage in Whakatāne–Ōhope compared to the first two school months in 2021 by 14.2%. This is likely to be the result of an increase in students choosing to do online learning.

Total tertiary services averaged 521 boardings for the second two tertiary months of Quarter 3, down 42% the same period last year. The most significant declines were on routes 104 (Murupara-Rotorua) and route 102 (Rotorua-Tauranga), down 71% and 46% respectively. Similar to schools, this is likely to be the result of an increase in students choosing to do online learning.

2.2 Total Mobility

COVID continues to affect the use of the Total Mobility scheme with many members still reluctant to resume travel patterns similar to those before COVID.

Transport providers report that many people now regularly only use Total Mobility to travel to the doctor or grocery shopping however the ability to have groceries delivered has also affected how the scheme is used.

Retaining drivers in the transport industry is also affecting our Total Mobility scheme transport providers.

2.3 Budget Update

The key budget highlights for the period ended 31 March 2022 are as follows:

· Operating revenue at the end of Quarter 3 2021/22 is $1.9m lower than budget, and full year forecast is $2.96m lower than budget. This is primarily related to fare revenue in Tauranga which continues to be driven by the impact of COVID-19 and running a reduced timetable on the Tauranga network since 21 February.

· Operating expenditure at the end of Quarter 3 2021/22 is $3.1m lower than budget. Full year forecast is $4.2m lower than budget primarily due to the Urban Form and Transport Initiative and Western Bay of Plenty Transport Plan ($2m) and Rotorua optimisation ‘A Balanced Network’ ($1.6m) not approved given timeframes have been extended by project partners to ensure relevant planning processes are completed first.

· At the end of Quarter 3 2021/22 capital revenue is $0.5m lower than budget and Capital expenditure is $0.8m lower than budget. Forecast capital expenditure is $1.1m lower than budget following Waka Kotahi’s decision not to fun ‘A Balanced Network’ in Rotorua.

3. Considerations

3.1 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☐	☐

The matters in this report relate to Focus Area 3 (the services we provide as a Regional Council) in the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Climate Change Action Plan and Goal 10 – reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

3.2 Implications for Māori

There are no specific implications for Māori as a result of this report. Implications resulting from projects or items considered in this report will be addressed within those projects or processes.

3.3 Community Engagement