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Report To:
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Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport Committee
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Meeting Date:
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14 February 2025
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Report Writer:
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Claudia Cameron,
Transport Planner
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Report
Authoriser:
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Steve Groom,
Governance Manager
Oliver Haycock,
Director, Public Transport
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Purpose:
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To advise the
Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport Committee (the Committee) of
changes to the Terms of Reference and membership.
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Governance
Matters: Terms of Reference and Membership Updates
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Executive Summary
This report advises the Committee of the
updated Terms of Reference (TOR) and notes the Committee membership.
The Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty
Transport Committee (previously the Tauranga Public Transport Joint
Committee) approved updated TOR at its meeting on 7 November 2024.
Subsequently the updated TOR were adopted by Tauranga City Council (TCC) on 9
December 2024 and by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC) on 11
December 2024.
The updated TOR changed the name of the
Committee, extended the scope of the Committee and increased membership to
include Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) and the Western
Bay of Plenty Transport Partnership (TSP).
The TOR will be presented to WBOPDC for
Council consideration in early 2025.
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Recommendations
That the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport
Committee:
1 Receives the report, Governance Matters: Terms
of Reference and Membership Updates;
2 Notes the updated Terms of Reference as attached
to this report;
3 Notes the membership of the committee as
contained in the attached Terms of Reference.
1. Background
This
report is administrative in nature and notes the adopted Terms of Reference and
changes to committee membership.
2. Committee Updates
2.1 Terms of Reference
The updated
TOR were approved by this Committee at the meeting on 7 November 2024. The
approved TOR were subsequently adopted by TCC on 9 December 2024 and by BOPRC
on 11 December 2024.
The updated TOR includes a change to the Committee’s name,
becoming the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty
Transport Committee. The scope of the Committee is extended to cover the
entire transport system (not just public transport), with the geographic scope
broadened to the whole Western Bay of Plenty sub-region. Membership has also
been extended to include WBOPRC and TSP, with representatives for each
organisation outlined below.
It is noted that the TOR are yet to
be approved by WBOPDC at a meeting of Council.
The updated TOR are provided in
Attachment 1.
2.2 Membership
Membership of the Tauranga and Western Bay
of Plenty Transport Committee is as follows:
· BOPRC:
o Cr Andrew von Dadelszen (Chair)
o Cr Paula Thompson
o Cr Kat Macmillan (Alternate)
· TCC:
o Cr Rick Curach (Deputy Chair)
o Cr Glen Crowther
o Cr Rod Taylor (Alternate)
· WBOPDC:
o To be advised
· NZ
Transport Agency Waka Kotahi:
o Susan Collins (non-voting
member)
· Western
Bay of Plenty Transport Partnership (TSP):
o Shaun Jones (non-voting
member)
2.3 Chairing and Administration
The appointment of the Chair and Deputy Chair, and associated
administrative support, are to be rotated on an annual basis between TCC and
BOPRC. For 2025, Cr Andrew von Dadelszen will assume the Chair with BOPRC
governance undertaking administrative support.
BOPRC Standing Orders will apply for the duration of
BOPRC’s administration of the Committee. Standing Orders can be found at
the following link: BOPRC Standing Orders 2022-2025
2.4 Meeting Dates
Below are the 2025 meeting dates:
· Friday,
14 February
· Friday,
11 April
· Friday,
30 May
· Friday,
22 August
This Committee will
not meet during the local body election period.
3. Considerations
3.1 Risks and Mitigations
This report is administrative, there are no significant
risks associated with this report.
3.2 Climate Change
This report is
administrative, there is no need to consider climate change impacts.
3.3 Implications for Māori
This
report is administrative, there is no need to consider the implications for
Māori.
3.4 Community Engagement
Community
Engagement was not required.
3.5 Alignment with Strategic Framework
This matter aligns with the
BOPRC strategic framework.
3.6 Financial Implications
There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and
this fits within the allocated budget.
4. Next Steps
At a future
Council meeting of WBOPDC, staff will be presenting the updated TOR to seek
approval and the appointment of a representative. Following this, the
associated administrative actions will be undertaken by BOPRC Governance staff.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport
Committee Terms of Reference ⇩
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Report To:
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Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport
Committee
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Meeting Date:
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14 February 2025
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Report Writer:
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Matthew
Kilpatrick, Senior Transport Planner (BOPRC) and Colm Hartigan, Principal
Transport Planner (TCC)
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Report
Authoriser:
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Oliver Haycock,
Director, Public Transport
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Purpose:
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Provides
updates on key transport projects led by TCC, BOPRC, WBOPDC and NZTA.
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Joint
Public Transport Projects Update
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Executive Summary
This report provides update, highlighting progression,
challenges, risks, and opportunities regarding projects that Tauranga City
Council (TCC), Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC), Western Bay of Plenty
District Council (WBOPDC) and New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) are
undertaking with an effect on transport outcomes within Tauranga and the
Western Bay subregion.
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Recommendations
That the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Transport
Committee:
1 Receives the report, Joint Public Transport
Projects Update.
Tauranga City Project Updates
1.1 Tauranga City Centre Bus Stops
The Tauranga
City Centre Bus Stops project (new bus interchange on Durham Street South) is
progressing well with key contracts awarded and site possession issued on 17
January 2025. The project remains on track, with key milestones progressing as
planned.
The
programme of works includes a 60-working-day construction period, with an
expected commissioning on 28 April 2025. Additionally, the construction of the
new Intercity stop on Elizabeth Street has been deferred to FY2025/26.
1.2 Connecting the People (15th
Ave/Turret/Welcome Bay)
The Single Stage Business Case (SSBC)
has been completed and formally approved by TCC on 6 August 2024. An NZTA
endorsement decision is expected in February 2025. Preliminary investigation
works on the bridge are complete, and the procurement strategy is pending
Council endorsement. The constructability review, cost estimates, and risk
evaluations review are ongoing.
Stage 2 remains on hold, with a
status review planned for mid-2025, while the impact of new utilities scope
(11kV & 33kV) and conflicts is being assessed.
While Stage 1 of the project can be
managed within the current budget, securing additional funding from NZTA
remains critical to progressing the full project scope.
1.3 Cameron Road Stage 2
The project is facing significant
delays, with the Detailed Design phase put on hold as of September 2024.
Construction completion has been pushed from 2030 to 2032, and there is no
funding allocation for FY26/27, as the project is not listed in the 2024-27
NLTP, and the original business case was not approved by NZTA.
To address these challenges,
governance approved the reworking of the Detailed Business Case (DBC), with a
consultant engaged to undertake the rework. This work is on track for
completion by February 2025.
The Tauranga City Council City
Futures Committee will decide on 17th February 2025 on whether alternative
funding sources are to be investigated to continue with the project, or whether
the project goes 'on hold' following the completion of the reworked DBC until
the next NLTP cycle.
1.4 Arataki PT Facility
The project is now complete with a
formal opening and blessing held on 9 December 2024. Some minor remedial works
are taking place which will not impact the operation of the facility.
1.5 Te Tumu Urban Growth Area/Wairakei & PT
Several transport-focused workstreams
remain underway related to the Te Tumu structure planning process, Wairakei
Town Centre development and the Papamoa Eastern Interchange (PEI), these
include:
· Te Tumu and Wairakei transport infrastructure business case: The
SSBC was completed but did not receive funding for subsequent phases through
the NLTP. The Wairakei Town Centre element of this project is being developer
delivered. The Te Tumu element is a greenfield area which requires plan changes
and major investment, which is planned to commence in the next 5 – 10
years. Staging and design reviews will be considered moving forward.
· Te Okuroa Drive (TOD) extension: Development of a temporary/interim
design for the TOD extension (between Sands Ave and Te Tumu boundary) has begun
to allow for access to Wairakei Town Centre development and TCC employment land
until a long-term solution is required.
1.6 Keenan Road Urban Growth Area & PT
Technical studies to support the
development of the Structure Plan continue to be progressed.
The Keenan Road business case is
currently on hold while discussions with NZTA proceed to get a decision on
whether this will finish at the Indicative Business Case (IBC) (a first draft
IBC for this is complete) or continue to SSBC phase. Subsequent phases will
require major investment and feasibility studies are ongoing for this.
Subsequent phases will require a plan change that is scheduled outside the
10-year period.
1.7 Papamoa East Interchange
The project remains on track and
within budget, with key milestones progressing as planned.
Phase 3 construction is underway
following the contract award. Earthworks are substantively complete, and
overbridge foundation works commenced in July 2024.
For Phase 4, Stage 1 construction has
been successfully completed. Stage 2 (roading) is progressing, with the Issued
for Construction (IFC) package released for pricing. The Stage 2 contract is
expected to be awarded in February 2025, with construction commencing in March
2025. Completion targeted for September 2025.
1.8 Tauranga Transport Model
Revisions to both the Tauranga
Transport Strategic Model (TTSM) and the Tauranga Transport Hybrid Model (TTHM)
that better align with the current funding landscape are scheduled for release
by March 2025.
1.9 SmartTrip Variable Road Pricing
The government announced the Land
Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill in December 2024.
This bill will empower local authorities and NZTA to develop proposals to
impose (congestion focussed) time of use charging on specified routes or areas.
Time of use schemes aim to improve traffic flow across an entire network,
enhancing reliability and productivity overall.
The draft bill will be referred to
the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee (anticipated in first quarter
2025), which will then take public submissions on it. Council staff are
currently considering submission points, should this be the intent of the
Elected Members.
Legislation is expected to pass in
2025, following which schemes will need to be developed by a NZTA led
partnership alongside local authorities.
1.10 Speed Management Plan (SMP)
At the 9 December 2024 meeting, TCC
approved a change to the speed limits outside schools in response to the new
Speed Limit Rule, enacted in September 2024. The changes approved include
converting 40km/h variable speed limits to 30km/h variable speed limits outside
schools, implementation at eight additional schools, and updating signage. The
next steps for the SMP are as follows:
· Submit the proposed speed limit changes (from the previous and
current Council approvals) to NZTA for Director approval.
· Once the Director approves the changes, Council will activate the 30
km/h school zones and notify the local community, along with other approved or
amended speed limits.
· Submit to the annual plan for the 2026 financial year funding of
$360k to meet regulatory requirements.
1.11 Low Cost Low Risk (LCLR) Projects
The final approved LCLR projects from
the previous Long Term Plan (LTP) cycle will be closed out in the coming
months. However, significant budget constraints, exacerbated by reduced NZTA
funding, are severely impacting preparations for the rest of the 2024/27 LTP
cycle. As a result, a reprioritisation of the project pipeline is underway to
ensure appropriate allocation of any budget headroom identified post the TCC
Elected Member confirmation of budgets on 9th December 2024.
Several projects are in advanced
design stages and ready for delivery and may progress based on December 2024
approvals. This is critical to maintaining delivery targets of the next LCLR
funded year - FY25/26.
The funding for LCLR projects does
not currently extend beyond FY25/26. These projects (by LCLR definition of low
complexity, safety etc) will be prioritised as part of the broader transport
projects strategic planning.
2. Western Bay of Plenty District Council Project
Updates
Projects supporting UFTI and
delivered in association with the TSP include:
· The SH2 Omokoroa Road Interim Intersection Upgrade, currently under
construction
· Omokoroa Stage 3 Structure Plan improvement works, currently under
construction
· The Welcome Bay Road Single Stage Business Case
· Rangiuru Business Park SH2 Interchange and associated roading
improvements.
In terms of network improvements, the
Council did not receive co-investment funding support for the LCLR programme,
other than an additional resilience allocation for one rural road. Network
improvements such as seal widening of under width rural roads associated with
the pavement renewal activities, safety improvements, drainage improvements and
community works will need to be funded solely by rates.
3. NZTA Project Updates
3.1 Connecting Mount Maunganui
The Indicative Business Case (IBC)
has now been finalised. The new IBC recommended option is economically
efficient with an improved benefit cost ratio (BCR) scoring (above 1). TCC have
endorsed the IBC at a Council meeting in early November 2024, and NZTA’s
Value, Outcome and Scope committee (VOS) endorsed the IBC in late November
2024.
An NZTA Board decision on IBC
endorsement is targeted for early 2025. Progressing future stages of the
project beyond IBC was not prioritised within the 2024-2027 NLTP. Opportunities
to seek funding to progress this project through the DBC phase are continuing
to be explored. It is also proposed to redesignate the bus lanes on Hewletts
Road as T3 lanes.
There remains a risk that a lack of
funding availability slows project momentum and progress. Funding to progress
with managed lanes on SH2 (Hewletts Road) this NLTP period will continue to be
explored, however, funding remains uncertain. Funding for future project phases
will be reconsidered under the next 27/30 NLTP process.
3.2 Takitimu North Link Stage 1 and 2
Stage 1: Tauranga to Te Puna
– in construction
Stage 1 is approximately halfway
through construction, with nearly half the earthworks achieved and 4 of 10
bridges constructed (Minden Road, Minden Gully off-ramp, Wairoa Road, Cambridge
Road). The local road alignment works to complete at Cambridge Road are
complete. 2024/25 construction season key activities are as follows:
1. SH2/Fifteenth Ave – Large 150-metre retaining
wall adjacent to Fifteenth Ave and build on-ramp bridge connection to
SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road. Lane closure in place to 2026.
2. Construction of a roundabout at SH29/Takitimu Drive
Toll Road and 363m flyover bridge. Widening works are starting. Changes to lane
layouts in this area are occuring late 2024.
3. Minden Road Interchange – Construction of 2
roundabouts and bridge tie-in works underway, to form a diamond interchange.
The Government has confirmed tolling
for Takitimu North Link in December 2024. This announcement also clarified that
the Takitimu Drive Toll Road toll scheme will exempt drivers from that toll if
they are also travelling along Takitimu North Link in the same trip.
Stage 2: Te Puna to Ōmokoroa
- Pre-implementation
The TNL Stage 2 project has been
identified as a RoNS project and extends a further 8km through to Omokoroa
Road. Stage 2 has been identified as a RoNS project. It will include 14 bridges
and culverts, a grade separated interchange at SH2 / Ōmokoroa Road, 4
million cubic metres of earthworks, and 33 hectares of ecological restoration.
The existing SH2 would be retained as a local road.
In October the NZTA Board endorsed
the project’s scope, enabling the project to proceed to lodge notice of
requirement and consent applications early 2025, giving partners, landowners,
and the community certainty of the route. We have recommenced engagement with
affected landowners which will take place in due course.
More information on the phasing of
the project will be available early 2025. NZTA is working towards being
construction ready by end of 2027.
3.3 State Highway 2 Revocation Programme Business Case
The SH2 Programme Business Case has
been completed and delivered in 2024. Funding has been approved to progress key
items in the business case including:
· Existing Asset condition assessment
· Safety Assessment
· Local Road comparison assessment
· Commence revocation agreement
Development of the wider
programme’s next steps will be scoped up early 2025. Public engagement is
scheduled in mid-2025 and before the commencement of a detail business case
covering the Bethlehem town centre.
3.4 Tauriko Urban Growth Area – Enabling Works
The project remains on track for
delivery on time and to budget. Construction is progressing well on Separable
Portion 1 (Redwood/Kaweroa Roundabout), and the construction of Separable
Portion 2 (Northern Access and SH29/Cambridge Road Intersections) commenced in
September 2024.
Key risks include the impact of
construction and traffic management, which could result in significant
community impacts due to potential delays. To mitigate this, a baseline
methodology has been developed to ensure most works can be conducted offline, thereby
minimising traffic disruption.
3.5 Tauriko West Network Connection – Investment Case Phase
The Tauriko West RoNS Project is a
long-term transport project in Tauranga, upgrading a nationally significant
freight route and integrating the state highway network with planned housing
growth in Tauriko West. The project builds upon the Tauriko Network Connections
Detailed Business Case (DBC) endorsed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
(NZTA) Board in August 2023.
The Investment Case Phase of the
business case is underway and due to be presented to the Board for Approval
early 2025. Through the Investment Case we refine the scope of the upgrades to
align with the RoNS standards and in accordance with the GPS 2024, looking at
construction phasing, value for money and affordability.
3.6 Roads of National Significance: SH29 Omanawa Bridge Replacement
The SH29 Omanawa Bridge Replacement
project is a part of the RoNS programme and has secured funding for the
pre-implementation phase of the project.
· Detailed Design Package has been awarded with the design underway
· Geotechnical investigations completed
· Notice of Requirement (NOR) and Designation lodged with local
councils.
· 2nd ECI Workshop Sprints completed.
4. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Project Updates
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council reports on its Public Transport
projects via several existing implementation reporting methods as part of the:
1. Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-34 (RLTP);
2. Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-32 (RPTP); and
3. Public Transport Monitoring Report (Arotake).
A synopsis of each, including links to relevant monitoring and
implementation information is provided, as follows.
4.1 Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-34 (RLTP)
The RLTP is the primary document guiding integrated land transport
planning and investment in the Bay of Plenty Region. A copy of the current RLTP
can be found here.
The most recent update on the implementation of the RLTP can be
found in the RLTP Implementation Report 2021-24, here.
It includes projects for all TLAs, NZTA and BOPRC. A number of these are
relevant to Public Transport project delivery.
The next 6-monthly RLTP
Implementation Monitoring Report is due to the Regional Transport Committee
(RTC) in March, while the annual RLTP Performance Monitoring Report is due in
June.
4.2 Regional Public Transport Plan 2022-32 (RPTP)
The RPTP is the key statutory document for public transport planning
and investment in the region. It guides the design and delivery of public
transport services and infrastructure in the Bay of Plenty region. The RPTP
takes a 10+ year view with a particular focus on the first three years.
The first RPTP Implementation and Performance Monitoring Report was
provided to the Public Transport Committee (PTC) on 24 September 2024. The RPTP
Implementation Monitoring Report can be found here.
The next 6-montly RPTP Implementation
Monitoring Report will be provided to PTC in March. The RPTP Performance
Monitoring Report on the 16 key performance indicators in the plan will
continue annually, due to PTC in September.
4.3 Public Transport Monitoring Report (Arotake)
Public Transport Arotake is Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Public Transport performance
monitoring report and is published on a quarterly basis. The most recent report
is located here.
Key highlights from the latest report, include:
· Total Tauranga network (Urban and School) patronage for the
reporting period increased 14.2% on the same in the previous year.
· There were 471,363 trips on the urban network over the quarter, an
increase of 8.6% on the same period last year.
· Patronage on the Tauranga school network was 278,691 over the
quarter, an increase in patronage of 20.5% on the same period in the previous
year.
The next version of Arotake will be available mid-March 2025.
4.4 Tauranga South On Demand Trial
The Tauranga South On Demand trial covers Tauranga South, including
Gate Pa, Greerton, Parkvale, Pyes Pa, Tauriko, and The Lakes.
A total of 35,683 passengers have
used the service since it began in 25 March 2024 (as of 3 February 2024). This
equates to an average of approximately 800 passengers per week.
4.5 PT Services and Infrastructure Business Case (PTS&I)
The PTS&I Business Case sets out a 30-year vision for public
transport for the Tauranga urban network using a future through-routed urban
network model for buses. The business case identifies a supporting 3, 10 and
30-year infrastructure programme of projects to support operation of the future
through-routed network model and achieve the overall 30-year vision. The
project is jointly funded by NZTA, TCC and BOPRC.
The business case was completed in May 2024, and a revised 3 and
10-year programme of work (to better align with the GPS on Land Transport
priorities) completed in July 2024. The business case was not funded in this
round of the NLTF.
Staff are working closely with project partners and NZTA regarding
possible alternative delivery opportunities going forward. An update will be
provided in due course.
4.6 National Ticketing Solution (NTS)
The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) is a partnership between the
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and all 13 Public Transport
Authorities (PTAs) which will provide a range of easy-to-use payment methods
for all public transport across the country. These include payment by
contactless debit or credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and prepaid cards
and tickets.
The project well is underway, with significant BOPRC resources
deployed on the project, with a scheduled “go live” date mid-2025.
The system is being rolled out region-by-region (with Bay of Plenty
currently scheduled to go third), with additional functionality coming with
each release. Should there be challenges implementing the system in preceding
regions, this could impact the deployment timeframes in the Bay of Plenty.
4.7 Fares Review
The Fares Review project reviewed
existing fare structures for public transport services operating in the Bay of
Plenty Region. The purpose was to achieve greater farebox recovery (in line
with Ministerial expectations), as well as moving to a system that is simpler
and more equitable. The recommendations are to be implemented from mid- 2025 to
align with the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) implementation.
4.8 Tauranga Public Transport Operations Facility
The current operating model for
public transport serving Tauranga requires space for vehicles to
“layover”. A layover is a designated location for buses to park
when not in passenger service. This is usually to facilitate drivers taking
formal rest breaks.
The Tauranga urban network currently
requires space for up to 12 buses to layover simultaneously in the vicinity of
Tauranga’s City Centre (the CBD). Currently, most of the layover
locations are on Durham Street but do spread to other areas of the CBD at peak
times.
Under the Crown Commission, TCC
informed Regional Council that this way of operating would not be supported, as
street space was required for construction activity and the provision of
additional street parking for cars. Subsequently, Regional Council resolved to
develop a layover facility the corner of Spring and Durham Street.
A Deed of Lease was signed in
December 2024, with occupation of the site from 1 April 2025 for a five-year
term. Detailed design has been completed and appropriate consents have been
lodged. Attachment 1 provides a concept of the site, which includes:
· Bus entry from Durham Street and exit to Spring Street.
· Space for a maximum of 12 buses.
· Facilities – toilets and kitchen room – provided for bus
driver rest and meal breaks.
· Fencing, planting, security gates, security cameras and lighting.
Progress is dovetailed with the
Tauranga City Centre Bus Stops (new bus interchange on Durham Street South),
which is due to be competed and operational by May 2025. Since the current
temporary bus interchange sits alongside the new Tauranga Public Transport
Operations Facility, the temporary interchange needs to be decommissioned to
the Tauranga Public Transport Operations Facility’s completion. Staff at
both Council’s having been working closely to enable the smooth roll-over
of these two critical and inter-dependent projects.
Construction of the facility is due
to commence in April 2025, with the site scheduled to be operational by August
2025. This Committee will be provided updates on the development of the site at
each of its meetings.
4.9 School Services Review
Staff
are in the early stages of a review of the Tauranga School Services Network.
This will seek to identify efficiencies and opportunities to optimise the
network where possible.
Staff
will seek guidance on the scope of the review at an upcoming Regional Council
Annual Plan workshop, before progressing with detailed work. Options will be
tested with this committee later in 2025.
4.10 Tauranga Bus Network Review
Staff are currently considering how network
optimisation can occur within existing budgets.
4.11 Travel Demand Management
This programme was not funded in the NLTP.
5. Next Steps
Partner organisations will
continue to progress the projects and workstreams identified in this update
report.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Tauranga Public Transport Facility - Concept Layout ⇩
