Agenda of Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee

Membership

Chairperson (BOPRC)	Cr Andrew von Dadelszen
Deputy Chairperson (TCC)	Commission Chair Anne Tolley
Members
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Andrew von Dadelszen Cr Paula Thompson
Tauranga City Council	Commission Chair Anne Tolley Commissioner Stephen Selwood
Quorum	Two members, consisting of more half the number of members, of which one must be from each respective Council.
Meeting Frequency	Bi-monthly or as required by the need for decisions.

Appointment of the Chair and Deputy chair and associated administrative support to be rotated between the two partner councils on an annual basis.

Purpose

Provide strategic and operational advice and direction for an integrated public transport system for Tauranga city and monitor implementation delivery.

The aim is to ensure that decisions in relation to all relevant parts of the transport system are taken collectively, and deliver outcomes that are greater than the sum of these parts. These outcomes are set out in the Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI) Programme Business Case and Tauranga Transport System Plan (TSP).

Role

The Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee is a joint committee of Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council that report to their respective councils.

The area covered by the Joint Committee extends to the Tauranga City Council boundaries. The role includes:

· Enabling integrated decision making for Public Transport in Tauranga City.

· Preparing and reviewing a Tauranga City Integrated Public Transport work Programme.

· The Work Programme to include:

o Projects and business cases as outlined in Annex 1 (and prioritised accordingly).

o Providing advice and guidance on Tauranga-specific content of the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP), for consideration by the Public Transport Committee.

o RPTP policy implementation in relation to the Tauranga City Council area.

o Tauranga city parking strategy and implementation.

o Travel behaviour management programmes (including The Wednesday Challenge).

· Funding and financing (includes updates on Tauranga road pricing, bus fares, parking charges and third party funding).

· Monitor and review the implementation of the Work Programme.

· Receive reporting on the performance of public transport services and infrastructure, and making recommendations for improvement.

· Provide quarterly implementation updates to the Public Transport Committee.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Joint Committee’s role does not include adopting, varying or renewing the Regional Public Transport Plan, which is a function of the Regional Council.

Reports to the Joint Committee will be prepared in partnership between the two councils. Where differences of view at officer level are apparent, these will be clearly set out in order for Councillors and Commissioners to make an objective and balanced decision.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role and scope of the Joint Committee; with relevant powers delegated from the respective council committees.

Any recommendations that impose financial commitments to either party are to be referred to the respective councils for approval.

Any variation to the Joint Committee’s terms of reference are by formal agreement by both councils.

Power to Recommend

The Joint Committee has a recommendatory power in relation to Tauranga City public transport matters to be considered as part of the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) process.

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.

Annex 1: Projects and Business Cases

Priority Projects

The following projects are to be implemented, commencing in the next six months:

· Tauranga CBD Interchange Temporary Relocation.

· Bus Stop Improvements.

· Bus Shelter Improvements.

The following projects are to be implemented, commencing in the next twelve months:

· Low Cost Low Risk projects relevant to public transport.

· Tauranga Network Refresh Phase 2.

Business Cases

The following business cases will be progressed, broadly in priority order:

· Tauriko Early Works.

· Arataki Bus Interchange.

· Public Transport Services & Infrastructure.

· Tauriko Long Term.

· Hewlett’s Road Sub-area.

· Turret Road / 15^th Avenue.

· Cameron Road Stage 2.

· Accessible Streets Area A (Mount / Papamoa / CBD).

· Accessible Streets Area B (Otumoetai / Bellevue / Brookfield).

Operations

Matters could include:

· Coordination of highway works to minimise bus service disruption.

· Bus service and work programme disruptions as a result of COVID-19.

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee 16 August 2023

Recommendations in reports are not to be construed as Council policy until adopted by Council.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Public Forum

3. Items not on the Agenda

4. Order of Business

5. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

6. Public Excluded Business to be Transferred into the Open

7. Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1 Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 23 May 2023 1

8. Presentations

8.1 Shift Hub - Shifting Minds and Modes of Communities

Presented by: Nigel Tutt, Melissa Conrad, Greg Simmonds, Timothy Allan and Marissa Nikora - On behalf of Priority One

9. Verbal Updates

9.1 Verbal Updates from the Previous Meeting

Presented by: Oliver Haycock - Acting Director, Public Transport (BOPRC)

10. Reports

10.1 Chairperson's Report 1

Decisions Required

10.2 Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Terms of Reference Amendment 1

Attachment 1 - Tauranga Public Transport Terms of Reference - Updated and Highlighted August 2023 1

Information Only

10.3 Joint Public Transport Committee Update Report 1

Attachment 1 - Projects update – TCC and BOPRC led projects 1

10.4 Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case - Project Update 1

11. Public Excluded Section

Resolution to exclude the public

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
11.1	Public Excluded Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 23 May 2023	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.
11.2	Tauranga City Council Memorandum - City Centre Public Transport Business Case	Withholding the information is necessary to enable any local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(h).	On the Chief Executive's approval.

Minutes to be Confirmed

11.1 Public Excluded Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 23 May 2023

Information Only

11.2 Tauranga City Council Memorandum - City Centre Public Transport Business Case

12. Public Excluded Business to be Transferred into the Open

13. Readmit the Public

14. Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes

23 May 2023

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing: Tuesday 23 May 2023, 9.30 am

Venue: Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga

Chairperson: Cr Andrew von Dadelszen - Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC)

Deputy Chairperson: Commission Chair Anne Tolley - Tauranga City Council (TCC)

Members: Cr Paula Thompson (BOPRC)

Commissioner Stephen Selwood (TCC)

In Attendance: BOPRC:

Cr Kat Macmillan; Mike Seabourne – Director, Public Transport; Chris Brewer – Public Transport Operations Manager; Oliver Haycock – Manager, Transport Planning; Claudia Cameron – Committee Advisor.

TCC:

Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston; Nic Johansson – General Manager, Infrastructure; Brendan Bisley – Director of Transport; Scott Williamson – Acting Manager, Transport Infrastructure Outcomes; Stéphanie Keller-Busque - Circular Economy & Waste Management and Minimisation Plan Lead; Tom McIntyre – Team Lead, Transport Development.

Presenters:

Shaun Jones – Transport System Plan (TSP) Programme Manager (via Zoom); Craig Richards – Technical Director Transport Advisory – BECA (TSP Working Group Member).

Waka Kotahi:

Jessica Andrew - Regional Manager System Design.

Minute Note: This meeting was livestreamed and recorded and can be accessed on the BOPRC YouTube channel: Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Meeting - 23 May 2023 - YouTube

1. Apologies

None.

2. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

None.

3. Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

3.1

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 28 February 2023

Resolved

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Confirms the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 28 February 2023 as a true and correct record.

Selwood/Tolley

CARRIED

4. Presentations

4.1

TSP Refresh Programme Update

Presentation: TSP Refresh Programme Update: Objective ID A4379863

Presented by: Shaun Jones - TSP Programme Manager and Craig Richards - Technical Director Transport Advisory – BECA (TSP Working Group Member)

Key Points:

· This project was a refresh of TSP version one, which involved analysis and re-assessment of modelling, KPIs, challenges and outcomes

· A robust, collaborative programme development process between Councils and Waka Kotahi was being followed, replicating the previous model that had seen around 90% of projects funded

· Collaboration was taking place between Waka Kotahi and Councils to prioritise programmes that resulted in the largest vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) reduction

· Work was being conducted to ascertain how the VKT reduction programmes could align with and inform the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP).

Key Points - Members:

· Highlighted the need for the ‘accessibility objective’ to specifically reference accessible/equitable access to transport

· Emphasised the need to focus research into emission reduction within the parameters of an achievable transport system

· Noted the challenge of growing metros meeting VKT reduction targets and recommended a focus on emissions reduction.

In Response to Questions:

· KPIs were used to measure specific performance of sustainable urban growth. The aim was to enable short trips by active modes, and to work alongside the SmartGrowth Leadership Group (SLG) to connect growth areas

· One aspect of the funding gap was due to some projects being outside of the next 10-year funding cycle

· There was an increase in non-traditional Government funding avenues, such as the Climate Emergency Response Fund; plans were required to enable applications when opportunities arose

· Infrastructure Forums (such as the Western Bay of Plenty Infrastructure Forum) were non-public sector organisations to support economic growth of sub-regions. The outcomes advocated for by these forums were in alignment with TSP

· The four TSP objectives were evenly prioritised

· A national VKT reduction study was being undertaken alongside regional studies, with results expected in August 2023. TSP expressed an interest in future engagement with Councils around the implications of National VKT reduction plans.

5. Verbal Updates

5.1

Supporting Infrastructure - Passenger Transport

Presented by: Mike Seabourne - Director, Public Transport (BOPRC) and Oliver Haycock – Manager, Transport Planning (BOPRC)

Key Points:

· The network change to a through-route system would remove the layover of buses in the CBD. In the meantime, staff were aware of the issue and would explore potential solutions

· The on-demand trial was subject to the outcome of BOPRC Annual Plan deliberations. If approved, it would involve smaller vehicles, corner to corner service, controlled via phone or app. The proposed trial area was Pyes Pā-Greerton-Hospital.

Key Points - Members:

· Acknowledged the frustration of the community over the lack of parking spaces and the need to free up CBD space, and noted the original agreement of layover buses at Sulphur Point

· Noted the need to align timelines of BOPRC and TCC projects particularly within the CBD.

6. Reports

Decisions Required

6.1

Tauranga City Council Bee Card Initiative - Invitation to Corporates

Presented by – Stéphanie Keller-Busque - Circular Economy & WMMP Lead (TCC)

Key Points:

· The TCC initiative had been successful.

Key Points - Members:

· Recommended staff approach the Tauranga Business Chamber for participation.

Key Points - Staff:

· BOPRC had seen this as an opportunity to test the model, and following analysis would evaluate the viability of its roll out to other Councils or businesses.

In Response to Questions:

· There had been 50% TCC staff uptake and emissions reductions from this initiative would be assessed

· BOPRC had contributed the initial $50 upload onto cards, with TCC funding subsequent top-ups.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Receives the Tauranga City Council report, Tauranga City Council Bee Card Initiative - Invitation to Corporates;

2 Endorses efforts to invite other corporates to provide work-subsidized Bee Cards for their staff and participate in reducing transport emissions in Tauranga.

Thompson/Tolley

CARRIED

Information Only

6.2

Memorandum - Cameron Road Bus Lane

Presented by: Brendan Bisley - Director of Transport (TCC)

Key Points:

· There was an agreement to have full time bus lanes within the next ten years along Cameron road, this report focused on the first six months of bus lanes becoming operational, due at the end of 2023

· To ease the transition from parking to bus lanes, directional peak bus lane operations were proposed – morning peak: inbound bus lanes operate, afternoon peak: outbound bus lanes operate. When not operating as bus lanes they would be used for on-street parking

· Bus lanes operating during significant traffic increased reliability of buses but must be balanced against the removal of parking in front of businesses – compromise was required.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted the additional risk from cyclists riding on the road instead of the purpose built, safer cycle lanes

· Acknowledged that businesses would be impacted by Cameron Road’s change from an arterial route to a multi-modal active transport and public transport corridor

· Suggested staff from TCC and BOPRC work collaboratively to create a joint ten year Master Plan and Communications Plan which clearly expressed the project direction, sequence of events and expected timing of changes for the Cameron Road area. This would allow the public, businesses and partner councils to understand and prepare for the changes ahead

· Recognised plan completion was required, and communications, underway before the ‘go live’ of Cameron Road Stage 1 at the end of the year.

In Response to Questions:

· Training would be provided to bus drivers to navigate the changes to the bus lane operation hours

· Highlighted the need to educate the public on how the movement of buses may change, for example in a bus queue jump lane

· Peak school traffic coincided with a peak time for businesses, which must be taken into consideration.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Receives the Tauranga City Council report, Memorandum - Cameron Road Bus Lane;

2 Directs staff to prepare a Ten Year Plan for achieving the project as per the MOU between BOPRC, TCC and Waka Kotahi, and related works. On completion of that a Communication Plan between the three partners be prepared.

Tolley/Thompson

CARRIED

7. Public Excluded Section

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

1 Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
7.1	Public Excluded Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Minutes - 28 February 2023	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.
7.2	Tauranga Short-Term Park and Ride Trial (V-1274-000-RPT-TA-0001)	Withholding the information is necessary to enable any local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(h).	At the conclusion of the study.
7.3	Security Services	Withholding the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(b)(ii).	To remain in public excluded.
7.4	UPDATE: Cameron Road Bus Shelter Options and City-Wide Bus Stop Upgrades	Withholding the information is necessary to enable any local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(h).	To remain in public excluded.

Tolley/Thompson

CARRIED

12.05 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Chairperson, Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee



Report To:	Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee
Meeting Date:	16 August 2023
Report Authoriser:	Mike Seabourne

Chairperson's Report

Executive Summary

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

The report includes updates on:

· National Ticketing Solution Update, CERF and bus driver terms and conditions update, return to full timetable update, Rotorua bus network refresh implementation update, Tauranga On-Demand Trial, and a security update.

Recommendations

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint 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

2.1.1 National Ticketing Solution (NTS) Update

The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) is an enabler for change.

· A flexible, modern ticketing system will make it easier for people to pay for public transport anywhere in the country including making it easier to support national concessions such as Super Gold and Community Connect.

· This will encourage more people to use public transport, more often.

· Increased access will ultimately contribute to reducing New Zealand’s carbon emissions and improving safety and congestion on our roads.

· Public Transport Authorities will gain a digitally enabled system with more choice, transparency, and simplicity.

· A deeper understanding of customer journeys will mean optimised services and better targeted investment.

Funding is met through the National Land Transport Fund.

· The funding model being used is different to the usual Waka Kotahi co-funding approach. Waka Kotahi is providing 100% Finance Assistance Rate (FAR) funding to design, build and operate the NTS. This means across the whole NTS Waka Kotahi will cover 93% of the cost and the PTAs 7%. PTAs will fund 50% of transition costs and their front office costs on an ongoing basis.

· Currently, there are five disparate systems operating in NZ. NTS is an opportunity to achieve economies of scale and to provide smaller PTAs with a world leading ticketing system which otherwise would be outside their reach. Centrally contracting and operating the system will ensure the best value for money across Aotearoa.

· PTAs will see a substantial reduction in the running costs of their ticketing systems. PTAs will also receive full fare revenue, collected by the NTS.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Operations.

· We are currently planning our local response to this national project being led by Waka Kotahi. Environment Canterbury is currently preparing to pilot NTS in 2024 and Bay of Plenty has agreed to be the second Regional Council to implement NTS.

· Discussions are taking place with bus operators with an aspirational Go-Live date is Q1 2025.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Transport Operations Team are presently examining the changes required within the team structure including the subsequent resourcing required to be able to successfully lead and deliver this project.

2.1.2 CERF and Bus Driver Terms and Conditions Update

The all-parties Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), developed by Waka Kotahi for Public Transport Authorities (PTAs), aims to improve bus driver terms and conditions initiative under the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

Discussions between operators, unions and PTAs have been steadily taking place across the country. We are currently in discussion with local PTOs and Unions to define the next viable steps we intend to take towards improving the bus driver terms and conditions (e.g., increase hourly rates, implement split shift allowances, and/or implement penal rates for work after 9pm).

We will progress with seeking CERF Funding Approval subject to agreements being confirmed. Funding will be backdated to 1 November 2022.

2.1.3 Return to Full Timetable Update

On 1 May 2023, nine of the Tauranga Urban Bus Network routes returned to full timetable, with four routes remaining on a weekend timetable. All services are expected to return to full timetable when the Tauranga Bus Network Refresh Phase 2 project is implemented. NZ Bus have advised they will have enough drivers, including an 18% buffer in driver numbers, to deliver these changes.

2.1.4 Tauranga – On Demand

Patronage on some traditional public transport services in Tauranga is relatively low, particularly at off-peak times. To better understand how an on-demand service can complement and/or replace fixed public transport towards increasing patronage, Bay of Plenty Regional Council intend to commence an 18-month trial of an on-demand transport solution in Tauranga South.

The defined area includes Pyes Pā, The Lakes, Greerton, Gate Pā and Tauranga city south of 17^th Avenue.

Key destination within this area are Tauranga Hospital, Grace Hospital, Tauranga Crossing, Fraser Cove and Greerton Library.

The Tauranga On-Demand Project will plan and implement a service that provides better access to public transport, enhancing the quality of the bus service for current users and encouraging non-users to utilise the bus network.

A Project Initiation Document has been completed and the Transport Operations Group are preparing to support this project with an expected Go Live date being early March 2024.

2.1.5 Security Update

The safety of patrons engaged in Transport Services has recently featured on social media and in mainstream news due to a spate of incidents at Tauranga. These included three incidents in one week comprising of two unrelated assaults whilst in transit and a further assault at the Durham Street Bus Interchange.

BOPRC have reviewed these matters to ensure that we are fulfilling their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 Act as a PCBU.

A debrief took place between members of the Transport Operations Team and a Tauranga bus operator to closely examine each incident and apply a Lessons Learned lens to each incident. It is noted that on one occasion a bus driver was acknowledged by the parent of an assault victim for his good work in supporting her daughter.

Security deployment at Durham Street Interchange has been tweaked to provide more coverage at peak times when school has finished.

The Manager of Transport Operations is reviewing the Incident Escalation Process to ensure a more agile and timely reporting process for when incidents occur. This is to ensure that there are no surprises for Council Executive members and to ensure that the appropriate responses have been made.

A review of Standard Operating Processes is also taking place ensuring that our responses to serious incidents are current, appropriate, and aligned to best practice. These SOPs will dovetail into the actions taken by the Tauranga operator.



Report To:	Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee
Meeting Date:	16 August 2023
Report Writer:	Claudia Cameron, Committee Advisor
Report Authoriser:	Michael Seabourne, Director, Public Transport
Purpose:	To approve an amendment to the Terms of Reference to allow the inclusion of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport as a non-voting, external member of the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee.

Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Terms of Reference Amendment

Executive Summary

This report recommends an amendment to the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee (Joint Committee) Terms of Reference, to allow the appointment of a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) representative and alternate, as a non-voting, external member of the Joint Committee.

Recommendations

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Receives the report, Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Terms of Reference Amendment;

2 Endorses the amendment to the Terms of Reference to allow for the appointment of a representative and alternate representative for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport, as a non-voting, external member of the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee;

3 Recommends that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council approves the above amendment to the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee Terms of Reference.

1. Background

The Joint Committee was established in December 2021 and comprises of two members from Tauranga City Council and two members from Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Members have identified the need to extend membership to include Waka Kotahi, as a non-voting, external member of the Joint Committee. This will assist with ensuring all relevant voices are heard when making decisions regarding joint Tauranga public transport projects. Waka Kotahi holds membership positions on both the Public Transport Committee and Regional Transport Committee.

The Terms of Reference of the Joint Committee specify that any amendment must be on the approval of partner councils, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council. A change of membership requires a change to the Terms of Reference (attached) with the proposed changes highlighted.

2. Proposed Change to the Terms of Reference

2.1 Terms of Reference

The changes are highlighted in the attached Terms of Reference, and include Waka Kotahi as a non-voting external member.

The position of external member is recommended so as to be in-line with the membership positions held by Waka Kotahi on the Public Transport Committee and Regional Transport Committee.

A non-voting position is recommended so as to be in-line with the membership position held by Waka Kotahi on the Public Transport Committee.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter.

3.2 Climate Change

The matter addressed in this report is of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts.

3.3 Implications for Māori

The matter addressed in this report is of a procedural nature and does not require engagement with Māori.

3.4 Community Engagement

The matter addressed in this report is of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider community engagement.

3.5 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 look to partnerships for best outcomes.

3.5.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected
þ Environmental	þ Cultural	þ Social	þ Economic

A collaborative approach to an integrated transport system in Tauranga has a positive impact across all community well-beings.

3.6 Financial Implications

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

4. Next Steps

On approval of the amendment to the Terms of Reference by the Joint Committee, reports will be taken to both partner Councils for their subsequent approval.

Once approved by both Councils, the Joint Committee will make the necessary changes to appoint a member and alternate member for Waka Kotahi.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Tauranga Public Transport Terms of Reference - Updated and Highlighted August 2023 ⇩



Report To:	Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee
Meeting Date:	16 August 2023
Report Writer:	Matthew Kilpatrick, Senior Transport Planner (BOPRC) and Brendan Bisley, Director of Transport (TCC)
Report Authoriser:	Michael Seabourne, Director, Public Transport (BOPRC)
Purpose:	To provide the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee with an update on the current progress, next steps and identified risks with key transport projects.

Joint Public Transport Committee Update Report

Executive Summary

This report outlines the progress being made in relation to key projects that Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) are leading and that are important to progressing public transport aligned to the direction provided by the Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI) and the Western Bay of Plenty Transport System Plan. The report also provides an update on key projects that Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency are leading which have a significant public transport component and which Tauranga City are involved.

Recommendations

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Receives the report, Joint Public Transport Committee Update Report.

1. Tauranga City Council Projects

Of specific note relevant to Tauranga City Council led projects are:

(a) The City Centre Parking Management Plan – The first stage of the parking changes was implemented prior to Christmas with the reintroduction of charges in the core city centre. Stage 2, which enlarges the area of paid parking, will be implemented in November 2023 to allow time for bus services to be running at full schedule so they are viable alternatives for workers.

(b) Progress is being made with priority TSP business cases for projects such as Hewlett’s Rd sub-area (Waka Kotahi led), 15^th/Hairini Causeway/Welcome Bay Road, Area b Innovating Streets and Cameron Rd Stage 2. Engagement with the community and stakeholders is underway and the business cases are on track for delivery in late 2023 or early 2024.

(c) The construction of the Takitimu North Link (TNL) project by Waka Kotahi is now underway. The operational matters of the potential for tolling, how managed lanes are to be provided and the revocation of the existing SH2 are still to be progressed by Waka Kotahi.

(d) The Tauriko Enabling Works Business Case was endorsed by both Tauranga City Council and by Waka Kotahi Board. Waka Kotahi are leading the delivery phase including consenting, property acquisition and construction project. Tendering of the construction contract is expected to occur later in 2023 once the consenting issues are resolved.

(e) The Tauriko Long Term business case (Waka Kotahi led) is planned to be considered by the Waka Kotahi board for endorsement.

(f) The Area B project has closed public consultation and the project team are working through the community feedback to review the preferred option and make changes to address the community concerns raised.

(g) Cameron Road Stage 1 is progressing, with construction anticipated to be completed in December this year.

(h) Work is progressing on the park and ride trial in Papamoa. Design is underway to enable the facility to begin operating in early 2024.

2. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Projects

Of specific note relevant to Bay of Plenty Regional Council led projects are:

(a) The BOPRC Regional Land Transport Plan Review is progressing accordingly, with the RTC having agreed most of the strategic framework (e.g., vision, objectives, headline targets). It is due to agree final aspects of strategic framework by the end of August 2023.

(b) The Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case will identify the case for change in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region’s public transport system by supporting the preferred service model and identifying the supporting infrastructure. The business case will identify both a short term (10 year) and a longer term (30 year) improvement programme.

(c) The Western Bay Network Refresh Phase 2 bus network service changes have been approved via Public Transport Committee in June. Feedback has been sought from the bus operator to assist further timetable development. BOPRC have been working closely with business case project teams to ensure alignment with the refresh and any associated short-term network changes.

(d) The On Demand Transport Trial – Tauranga South has completed a feasibility study. The procurement process is underway, with a trial anticipated to start in early 2024.

(e) The Travel Demand Management and Behaviour Change Programme has completed its three scoping studies which have been endorsed / accepted by the Regional Transport Committee. This work is being further investigated with project partners. Future actions on a way forward are to be developed by TCC / BOPRC.

3. Considerations

3.1 Strategic/Statutory Context

The transportation projects covered in this report are framed under the strategic direction of SmartGrowth and UFTI, the Western Bay of Plenty Transport System Plan and the Councils Long-Term Plans.

4. Next Steps

The TSP partners continue to progress the projects and workstreams identified in this update report.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Projects update – TCC and BOPRC led projects ⇩



Report To:	Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee
Meeting Date:	16 August 2023
Report Writer:	Matthew Kilpatrick, Senior Transport Planner
Report Authoriser:	Mike Seabourne, Director, Public Transport
Purpose:	Provide an update on the progress of the business case

Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case - Project Update

Executive Summary

The Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case will identify the case for change in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region’s public transport system by supporting the preferred service model and identifying the supporting infrastructure. The business case will identify both a short term (10 year) and a longer term (30 year) improvement programme.

This report provides early signals as to the direction for long term investment in the public transport services and infrastructure as a project update.

Recommendations

That the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee:

1 Receives the report, Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case - Project Update.

1. Background

The Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Reference Case was developed in 2022, which sets out the preferred service model for future fixed route bus services in the Western Bay sub-region. It is a hybrid model designed to limit the number of bus services that terminate in Tauranga’s CBD. The hybrid service model provides a high frequency of services, and has taken into consideration customer preference for longer routes which reduce the need to transfer between services. The service model was designed with close collaboration with the project partners Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

· A briefing on the Hybrid Network Model was presented to members of the Tauranga Public Transport Joint Committee on 22 August 2022

· An update on the project and creation of the Hybrid Network Model was provided to the Public Transport Committee on 22 September 2022

· The Hybrid Network Model was endorsed by the TSP Governance Group in October 2022.

Figure 1 - Future Public Transport Hybrid Network Model

The Western Bay of Plenty Public Transport Services and Infrastructure business case is a single-stage business case seeking to determine and fund the preferred future services and infrastructure needed to achieve the future hybrid service model for fixed route bus services. This integrated services and infrastructure business case was identified as a requirement under the Transport System Plan (TSP) in order to achieve the Urban Form and Transport Initiative’s (UFTI) Connected Centres Programme.

2. Project Scope and Progress to Date

2.1 Project Scope

The scope of this business case is to identify and explore routes, frequencies and interchange points for the fixed route bus network identified in the future hybrid service model. For infrastructure, this business case is to identify physical improvements to support future services. This business case has a 10-year horizon with a 30-year outlook. A customer focus is at the heart of this business case.

Ferries and passenger trains are out of scope. Travel demand management (TDM), parking strategies, and bus fares are integral for a successful public transport service, however these are being addressed through other projects and are therefore out of scope for this business case.

2.2 Progress to Date

Key progress achieved to date in the project includes:

· Investment Logic Map – stakeholders have agreed the problems investment will address

· Communications and Engagement Plan – working with iwi representatives for the Tauranga area (via Te Rangapu)

· Draft Strategic case – The first chapter in the business case, used to pitch the strategic need for investment e.g., TSP, UFTI

· Interactions with other projects – liaising with other Project teams to ensure alignment between existing business cases and our SSBC.

The project team are also working closely with the TSP programme team to ensure this business case is aligned with other transport business cases that are currently being developed. Part of this conversation is ensuring wider project teams understand the scope of this business case. This business case has a 10-year horizon with a 30-year outlook, and is looking to identify the infrastructure gaps in the public transport network that are not covered by existing business case projects.

2.3 Long List Options Workshop

A long list workshop was held on 20 June with project partners and Mana Whenua. The long list workshop is the first step in the business case process in determining possible infrastructure and service improvements. Three key options were identified, which are:

· Infrastructure Option 1 – Mid-block bus lanes (lowest level of investment)

· Infrastructure Option 2 – Mid-block bus lanes with intersection priority (medium level investment)

· Infrastructure Option 3 – Partial or fully separate infrastructure e.g., busway (high level investment)

It is important to note that should this business case identify the need for more invasive infrastructure solutions, it will identify trigger points and how the infrastructure would need to be implemented/phased. Infrastructure enhancements are primarily being focused on gaps in the public transport network not in scope by current business case projects. Any significant changes on key corridors currently being developed within current business case projects are likely to sit substantially in the future towards the end of the 30-year outlook.

The outcome of the workshop was that some form of continuous bus lanes (a combination of infrastructure option 2 and infrastructure option 3) is required. These options, and variations of them will be taken forward to the short-list stage for further analysis. It was also identified that focusing infrastructure on the main spine linking Tauriko to Tauranga CBD with Arataki provides the highest customer experience benefits. Other learnings include:

· Without infrastructure, journey time reliability cannot improve

· The higher the infrastructure level, the greater the benefits for the customer

· Staging options are possible in future

· To achieve mode shift and VKT reduction, we need more to do more than services and infrastructure

· Improvements in Tauranga urban area will have positive impact on those Western Bay-Tauranga journeys.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

A risk register and project interdependencies table has been developed for this business case by the project team. The risk register identifies a key risk around ensuring alignment with this business case and wider TSP business cases being led by Waka Kotahi, TCC, and WBOPDC. The project interdependencies table ensures this business case is managing any alignment risks with wider projects.

3.2 Climate Change

This business case if funded by Waka Kotahi shall provide benefits to climate change through increased mode shift to public transport.

3.3 Implications for Māori

No negative implications are identified for Māori. The project team are working closely with mana whenua including Te Rangapu reps (representing 17 Iwi). They have told us that they are supportive of improved public transport services in particular to Marae.

3.4 Community Engagement

No community engagement has been undertaken on the business case to date. We are working with the wider TSP team to consider the possibility of consultation with the public and a potential engagement period occurring later in 2023.

3.5 Alignment with Strategic Framework

This business case aligns with Toi Moana’s strategic framework.

3.6 Financial Implications

Due to being in the early stages of the business case and option development, no financial implications are known to the project team. Future financial implications are to be further understood later in the business case process.

4. Next Steps

The project team will continue progressing the business case with an expected completion date of February 2023. The key next steps are as follows:

· Develop short-list options and the assessment of these via a future short list workshop

· Possible public consultation occurring later this year on short-list options

· Preferred option to be identified by October 2023

· Seek adoption by partner organisations.