Public Transport Committee Agenda

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Public Transport Committee will be held via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting) on:

Thursday 17 March 2022 COMMENCING AT 9.30 am

 

This meeting will be livestreamed and recorded.

The Public section of this meeting will be livestreamed and recorded and uploaded to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website.  Further details on this can be found after the Terms of Reference within the Agenda. Bay of Plenty Regional Council - YouTube

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

10 March 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.

 


Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Toi Moana

Governance Commitment

mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata - our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

 

 

We provide excellent governance when, individually and collectively, we:

·        Trust and respect each other

·        Stay strategic and focused

·        Are courageous and challenge the status quo in all we do

·        Listen to our stakeholders and value their input

·        Listen to each other to understand various perspectives

·        Act as a team who can challenge, change and add value

·        Continually evaluate what we do

 

 

TREAD LIGHTLY, THINK DEEPLY,
ACT WISELY, SPEAK KINDLY.


Public Transport Committee                                                    17 March 2022

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

Agenda

1.      Apologies

2.      Public Forum – Alice Davies: Summer research project - accessibility in the public transport system

3.      Items not on the Agenda

4.      Order of Business

5.      Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

6.      Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

6.1      Public Transport Committee Minutes - 30 November 2021                                        2

7.      Presentations

7.1      Accessibility - Using the Bus System and Bee Cards

7.2      Update from The Wednesday Challenge

Presented by: Heidi Hughes

8.      Reports

8.1      Chairperson's Report                               2

8.2      Public Transport Arotake Tuarua 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report July to December 2021                                        2

Attachment 1 - Public Transport Arotake Tuarua FINAL                                                                        2

8.3      Strategic Direction in 2022                      2

Attachment 1 - PTC Summary Work Programme for 2022                                                                    2

8.4      Improving Our Network                           2

9.      Consideration of Items not on the Agenda


Public Transport Committee Minutes

30 November 2021

 

Public Transport Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Tuesday 30 November 2021, 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 Regional Council, Mayor Garry Webber – Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Alternate, Whakatāne District Council, Jess Andrew (non-voting) – Waka Kotahi, Phill Thomass – Lakes Community Board, Commissioner Stephen Selwood – Tauranga City Council

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

Apologies:                  Chairman Doug Leeder (Ex-Officio) – Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Mayor Judy Turner – Whakatāne District Council, 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 - 30 November 2021 - YouTube.

 

1.     Apologies

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Accepts the apologies from Chairman Doug Leeder, Mayor Judy Turner and Cr Stacey Rose (early departure) tendered at the meeting.

Thurston/Nees

CARRIED

2.     Public Forum

2.1

He Iwi Kotahi Tauranga Moana Charitable Trust

Presentation: He Iwi Kotahi Tauranga Moana Charitable Trust: Objective ID A3988429

 

Chair Gordy Lockhart and Deputy Chair Buddy Mikaere presented this item.

Key Points:

·       The Trust had been established to organise and run annual Waitangi Day celebrations

·       Sought free buses to run on Waitangi Day to The Historic Village, where the festival had been taking place for the past three years, and ultimately to other Waitangi Day events across the region

·       The objective was raising awareness of the importance of The Treaty of Waitangi and its meaning

·       Strong focus on getting families and the community involved, included music and an educational programme at the event

·       Potential advantages included:

o   Raising awareness of the public transport system

o   Supporting a healthy environment

o   Removing barriers for people to attend Waitangi Day celebrations.

Key Points - Members:

·       Acknowledged that timeframes around implementation may be a challenge, but supported the initiative.

In Response to Questions:

·       Plans were underway to gather data from the next event to identify the areas people attending were coming from

·       Free public transport on Waitangi Day would also encourage people to get outdoors and using public transport, in addition to enjoying family time together.

Staff - In Response to Questions:

·       Cost implications, size and scale would need to be quantified before identifying if a decision could be made by staff within their delegation.

 

3.     Order of Business

To accommodate the arrival of presenters, agenda item 9.1 would be taken before agenda item 8.3.

4.     Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

5.     Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Public Transport Committee Minutes - 26 August 2021

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Confirms the Public Transport Committee Minutes - 26 August 2021 as a true and correct record.

Thomass/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

 

 

Public Excluded Public Transport Committee Minutes - 26 August 2021

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Confirms the Public Excluded Public Transport Committee Minutes - 26 August 2021 as a true and correct record, noting that the only business conducted was the confirmation of minutes.

[Thompson/Thomass]

[CARRIED/LOST]

 

10.   Reports

10.1

Chairperson's Report

Legal and Commercial Manager Jessica Easton and Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

·    Waka Kotahi had confirmed that they would fund the living wage for bus drivers and support councils by paying the increase from the base rate

·    The Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) was progressing well and was on target for the final document to be produced by mid-2022

·    The key challenge for the Travel Demand Management (TDM) and Behaviour Change project was to turn the strategies into actions, for which consultants would be commissioned across the sub-regions to provide action plans

·    A website had been created for the Wednesday Challenge Project: www.wednesdaychallenge.co.nz, and a launch event was scheduled for 15 December 2021 at The Historic Village

·    Positive feedback had been received from patrons for the Bus Network Refresh, particularly residents in Pāpāmoa East who now had more frequent services which in some cases were faster than using a car

·    Staff were working with Tauranga City Council (TCC) for options to improve infrastructure where accessibility issues existed, particularly for disembarking safely.

Key Points - Members:

·       Acknowledged the work undertaken by staff and the significant challenges of the past year

·       TCC considered security funding an operational matter.

In Response to Questions:

·       Road pricing would be actively considered as a travel demand management tool, however the immediate focus was on carparking and understanding how TCC’s parking strategy would assist in promoting mode shift

·       Staff had been working with Rotorua Lakes Council around security funding issues, with additional funding confirmed by Waka Kotahi

·       Research had been undertaken into reasons why single occupancy cars were preferred and the focus for the TDM approach was on the disadvantages of using a car and gaining understanding of people’s lifestyles

·       The possibility of extending Route 5 to Tauranga hospital was being considered as part of Phase Two, to create a more direct service and remove the necessity to transfer at Willow Street.

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

von Dadelszen/Rose

CARRIED

 

 

10.2

Public Transport Arotake Tuatahi 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021

Presentation: Arotake Tuatahi 2021/22: Objective ID A3988651

Legal and Commercial Manager Jessica Easton and Transport Systems Team Leader Simon Bell presented this item.

Key Points:

·    Provided corrections to the totals column of the Quarterly Patronage table on Page 32 of the agenda:

o   17/19 – 2,832,444

o   18/19 – 2,608,277

o   19/20 – 2,375,750

o   20/21 – 2,664,380

o   21/22 – 534, 728

·    Rolling trend data and route specific information had been added to the report this quarter

·    Staff were working with Waikato Regional Council to develop an automation programme which would increase data processing efficiency.

Key Points - Members:

·       Origin/destination of the routes also needed to be considered e.g. hospital work shifts and visiting times.

In Response to Questions:

·       Data was used for planning purposes and to inform decision-making, the Bus Network Refresh uptake in Tauranga would also be monitored and reported back to the Committee.

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Public Transport Arotake Tuatahi 2021/22 - Performance Monitoring Report 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021.

von Dadelszen/Thomass

CARRIED

 

10.41 am - The meeting adjourned and Cr Rose withdrew from the meeting.

 

10.55 am – The meeting reconvened.

11.   Presentation

11.1

Tauranga City Council Public Transport Infrastructure & Projects Update

Presentation: Public Transport Infrastructure and Projects Update: Objective ID A3988660

Tauranga City Council Director of Transport Brendan Bisley presented this item.

 

Key Points of Presentation:

·       Outlined TCC projects for the next three years with direct public transport impacts

·       Disability access and across road access for bus stops would be included in the bus stop upgrade project

·       Public Transport Infrastructure was being considered for Welcome Bay from the underpass to the shopping centre

·       Provided information on TCC Long Term Plan (LTP) projects that might impact public transport services.

Key Points – Members

·       Considered that one of the greatest issues around community engagement was the transparency of the trade-off framework

·       Needed to work together in an integrated way to identify what was driving behaviour, gain a deeper understanding of what might drive behaviour change, and to establish an evidence base to inform decisions

·       The interface between the provision of services and the provision of infrastructure was fundamental to the design of the service outcome.

In Response to Questions:

·       Park and ride options were still allowed for and budgeted through the LTP; although they sat outside an 18 month to two year period – key decisions were around the public transport business case which would finalise sites for these to be located

·       There was a requirement under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) for consultation with private landowners on installing bus shelters and an additional requirement to hold a hearing if there were any objections

·       Under the Area B study there was funding for the Brookfield area and this would be looked at as a package of work integrated with projects in other areas

·       The parking strategy sought to promote turnover by discouraging commuter parking and encouraging shopper parking in the CBD.

 

10. Reports (Continued)

10.3

Improving our Network

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points - Members:

·       Suggested combining patronage data into one graph showing both free patronage and general public patronage.

In Response to Questions:

·       Staff were consistently looking at opportunities to review fares and fare policies.  The Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) would develop a new set of policies around fares in the future, including consideration of different geographic or socio-demographic options.

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Improving our Network.

Nees/Iles

CARRIED

 

10.4

Tauranga Bus Network Refresh - Part Two

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

·       Route 51 and the former route 71 would also be considered under Part Two of the Bus Network Refresh

·       Emphasised that a strong focus in Part Two of the Refresh was the legibility and quality of publicity material including timetables and maps and considering a more comprehensive marketing and publicity approach.

Key Points - Members:

·       Commended the efforts of the Public Transport Delivery team and highlighted the importance of resourcing to action changes

·       Understanding the drivers, potential target markets and how best to reach them was fundamental.

In Response to Questions:

·       Whilst patronage data was important, it was just one component in understanding the value the communities placed on the services.

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Tauranga Bus Network Refresh - Part Two;

2       Approves the proposed high-level scope of work contained in this report including timescales.

Thurston/Selwood

CARRIED

 

10.5

On-Demand Public Transport

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points:

·       Outlined recent data from an On-Demand public transport trial in Timaru, which saw patronage increase from 147,000 to 171,000

·       Increasing patronage with On-Demand services came at a significant cost increase

·       There was an option to replace some fixed route services with On-Demand services to ensure costs were contained within reasonable boundaries

·       The trial was also an opportunity to test different types and sizes of vehicles

·       Developing an intuitive and easy to use app would be critical to the success of the service.

Key Points - Members:

·       Different areas had different responses to On-Demand services and it was important that results from a Tauranga trial would not impact upon potential trials in other areas of the region

·       Noted that Tauranga was a different typography to Timaru and had different challenges to address

·       Needed to take into consideration potential increase in costs to patrons

·       Rotorua had individual challenges and innovative approaches would be welcomed

·       Sought to understand through this piece of work how an On-Demand service could be rolled out in different areas

·       Consideration needed to be given to frequency of service and vehicle fit for purpose.

In Response to Questions:

·       Improvements to the Kawerau network were addressing previous issues to the service

·       Although the current contract for the fixed route network limited flexibility for changing vehicle size and was locked in until 2028, there was further opportunity to make better use of existing vehicles and an option to consider alternatives for areas where larger vehicles were not appropriate

·       There was a focus on understanding typography, geography and highway layouts of various areas to establish the best service pattern for this

·       The hub and spoke model would continue to be the overall operating concept, with the key challenge being identifying which routes required a direct service  

·       There would be a range of channels for people to access the service, including options not based on technology

·       Clarified that at this stage, staff were seeking support to continue the investigation phase and work undertaken would not necessarily lead to a trial

·       The role of Waka Kotahi as a co-funder and their willingness to assist in funding the trial would be critical to progress. 

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, On-Demand Public Transport;

2       Notes the proposed scope of work and timescales;

3       Endorses the proposed high-level scope of work contained in this report.

Thurston/Thomass

CARRIED

 

 

10.6

Rotorua Public Transport Refresh

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn and External Advisor Andrew Dyer presented this item.

Key Points:

·       The concept behind the refresh was to make better use of the existing funding before considering where additional funding might go

·       There was ambition for growth, but issues around patronage figures needed to be addressed first

·       A smaller number of routes made the system easier to understand

·       There would be an overall increase to the number of bus stops in the CBD

·       The infrastructure improvements of the project were critical to success and needed to be implemented in conjunction with the service changes outlined

·       Improving punctuality and reliability were key factors – ensuring timetables reflected realities of potential delays e.g. impacts of roadworks

·       Extensive public consultation would be undertaken, noting that with Covid-19 restrictions there were currently uncertainty around how and when this could occur.

Key Points - Members:

·       Commended staff for the collaboration and consultation with Rotorua Lakes Council

·       More thought and research was required on the location of bus stops i.e. a site visit, as some of the proposed locations were not practical/ feasible

In Response to Questions:

·       The forthcoming review and renewal of the Rotorua public transport contract provided an opportunity to consider different service model options.

 

Resolved

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Rotorua Public Transport Refresh;

2       Notes that public consultation on the Rotorua Bus Network Refresh will now take place as soon as possible in 2022.

Thurston/Thomass

CARRIED

 

6.     Public Excluded Section

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

6.1

Public Excluded Public Transport Committee Minutes - 26 August 2021

As noted in the relevant Minutes.

As noted in the relevant Minutes.

To remain in public excluded.

Minute Note: No business was conducted in Public Excluded as the Public Excluded Minutes were confirmed in the Open section of the meeting.

 

12.40 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                          

                                                                    Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Chairperson, Public Transport Committee


 

 

 

Report To:

Public Transport Committee

Meeting Date:

17 March 2022

Report Authoriser:

Mat Taylor

 

 

Chairperson's Report

 

Executive Summary

This report provides members of this Committee with an update on matters of interest, specifically:

·          Changes to the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) and the priority areas of focus;

·          Regional Council response to driver shortages, which feature reduced timetables to ensure greater service reliability; and

·          Management of the COVID-19 situation, including the close contact exemptions and Waka Kotahi funding.

 

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

1.        Purpose

The purpose of this report is to update councillors on matters of interest in relation to public transport planning and operations.

2.        Matters of Potential Interest

2.1      Public Transport Operating Model

Ministry of Transport (MOT) continue to work through the proposed changes to the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM).  Key priorities within the new PTOM could include:

·    Mode shift through improved services;

·    Sustainable workforce through fair and equitable employment;

·    Value for money and operational efficiency;

·    Zero Emission Buses; and

·    Roles and relationships.

The indicative timeline is for a Cabinet policy decision by the middle of this year.  Any subsequent legislative process would then take around 12 months.

2.2      Regional Council Response to Driver Shortages

In common with a number of other councils, BoPRC has decided to introduce a temporary timetable to address the current driver shortage, which has become acute even in advance of the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The most significant temporary timetable change affects the Tauranga urban network, where a Saturday service has been introduced on most routes.  Dedicated school services continue as normal.

A more modest timetable change has been undertaken in Rotorua, where services 11 and 12 have moved from a weekday to a Saturday timetable, as a result of a number of drivers going down with COIVID-19.

The situation will be reviewed on a regular basis, and further service reductions as a result of COVID-19 cannot be ruled out.  The highest priority remains ensuring that children get safely to and from school.

2.3      COVID-19 Management

2.3.1    Close Contact Exemption Scheme

To ensure health and critical services can continue to function, fully vaccinated workers who fall under the “critical services” category and are an asymptomatic close contact will be eligible to return to work if they return a negative Rapid Antigen Test under the Close Contact Exemption Scheme.

All Regional Council major bus operators (NZ Bus, Ritchies and Uzabus) have received acceptance into the scheme.

2.3.2    Risk Assessments and Mandatory Vaccinations

All bus operators have commenced risk assessments in order to assess whether to require mandatory vaccinations for their staff (in particular bus drivers).  As soon as the assessments have been completed, operators will be required to outline their risk management controls for mitigating the spread / impact of COVID-19, which may include a decision to mandate vaccines for front line staff.

2.4      Waka Kotahi COVID-19 Guidance and Funding

On 21 December 2021, Waka Kotahi published its funding policy for Passenger Transport Authorities (PTAs) for the period up to 30 June 2022.  Key messages are as follows:

·     Public transport is an essential service that vaccinated and unvaccinated people can use for travel purposes.  With COVID-19 now endemic in the community Waka Kotahi expects that PTAs and operators have put in place measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted via public transport services.

·     Waka Kotahi expects that as PTAs and operators have, or will as soon as practical, undertaken a risk assessment of COVID-19 in the workplace to determine whether any work needs vaccinations for health and safety reasons.

·     To support PTAs to continue to deliver public transport services Waka Kotahi will contribute at normal Funding Assistance Rates (FARs) to:

Fare revenue shortfalls due to the impact of COVID-19; and

Net increase in COVID-19 costs above what PTAs have allowed for COVID-19 costs in 2021-24 public transport services continuous programme budgets less any savings associated with lower contract costs due to non-COVID-19 factors like reduced services due to driver shortages.

·     Fares are an important source of funding for public transport services.  Under the new Framework there should be no reason to suspend fare collection, including the collection of cash if contactless payment is not an option.  PTAs and operators should have implemented protocols and processes to ensure the safe collection of fares.

·     Under the new Framework public transport services can operate as normal under all settings.  PTAs and operators should be working toward treating COVID-19 as another contextual factor that has to be considered as part of normal operations and handled through normal contractual discussions and negotiations.

·     Waka Kotahi expects PTAs that have suspended contract performance regimes and (or) financial incentive mechanisms due to moving up to higher alert levels will reinstitute these regimes at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure appropriate incentives are in place for parties to manage the ongoing impact of COVID-19 as part of normal public transport operations.

·     Safe and effective vaccines is our best defence against COVID-19 and Waka Kotahi strongly supports uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine amongst the public transport workforce, including getting booster shots when appropriate.

At this stage Waka Kotahi will not be replacing their funding policy when it expires on 30 June 2022.  This means that Regional Council could be required make up lost fare revenue and meet additional costs associated with protection against, and management of, COVID-19.


 

 

 

Report To:

Public Transport Committee

Meeting Date:

17 March 2022

Report Writer:

Simon Bell, Transport Systems Team Leader

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 December 2021.

 

 

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

 

Executive Summary

This report provides an overview of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s performance monitoring for the first half of 2021/22 financial year.

Attached as Appendix 1 to this report, is the monitoring report Public Transport Arotake Tuarua 2021/22 – 1 July to 31 December 2021.  Public Transport Arotake brings together information and data for Public Transport across the region including an Executive Summary, which has a high level patronage overview over the reporting period along with financial and non-financial performance information.

 

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

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

 

1.        Introduction

This report provides an overview of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s performance monitoring Quarter 2 (Q2) of the 2021/22 financial year.

Attached as Appendix 1 to this report, is our monitoring report Public Transport Arotake Tuarua 2021/22 – 1 July to 31 December 2021. Public Transport Arotake brings together information and data for Public Transport across the region.

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 Tuarua

2.1      Patronage Highlights

Patronage for all bus services over the period of this report (Q2 2021/22) was 577,813 which is down 5.3% on the same period 2020/21 and down 12.8% on 2019/20.  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 protection framework (traffic lights) during this reporting period, with additional daily cleaning for all bus services under orange traffic light setting and funded additional touch-point cleaning under the red traffic light setting.

The Tauranga network (urban and school) patronage for the reporting period decreased 4.2% on the same period last year and 4.6% on 2019/20.

·     Passenger patronage on the urban network was 336,469 a decrease of 11.3% on last year and 23.7% on 2019/20.

·     Tauranga school dedicated services saw 148,436 trips taken, up 17.1% on last year and up 120.7% on 2019/20.

The increase on school services reflects the Council’s free fares policy.

Effective from 01 November 2021 Council has contracted a new provider for the next three years to continue with the security presence at the Willow Street and Farm Street bus interchanges, with extended hours of coverage factored in for key times of the day.

The Bus Network Refresh connecting Tauranga City with the Mount, Pāpāmoa and Te Puke was implemented 15 November 2021 and has been positively received by the public.  Early indicators are the refresh has provided more direct travel and convenient services.  Council has seen cost savings as a result of the network optimisation.

We have received positive feedback from calls to the contact centre in relation to the consultation process, good communications and NZ Bus response times, particularly in the first week of the timetable change.

In Rotorua, patronage for the reporting period was 15.4% lower than 2020/21, and 44.4% down on 2019/20.  The roadworks at SH5 Ngongotahā were completed in early December with all diversions and traffic being returned to normal.  This has contributed to easing congestion in that area reducing delays on the route 1 bus service.  Ongoing roadworks on SH30 continue to cause slight delays as a result of traffic build-up around the area, but traffic is flowing better than in previous months.

In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Quarter 2 patronage in the Eastern Bay of Plenty was up 12.7% on the same period last year and 21.4% down on 2019/20.  Bus stops at The Hub in Whakatāne became operational on the 15th November.  The implementation and establishment of the new bus stops went well with The Hub property owner keen to complete the installation of a bus shelter.

Total tertiary services averaged 377 boardings per month in Quarter 2, down 34% on the average for the same period last year.  However, 2021 calendar year to 31 December was only down 3% compared to last year, largely due to 74% growth on last year in Route 101, Whakatāne to Tauranga.  The most significant declines were in routes 105, Tauranga to Rotorua and 102, Rotorua to Tauranga (down 33% and 26% respectively).

2.2      Total Mobility

Patronage and expenditure lifted across the region compared to the previous quarter.  Operators report a quicker bounce-back than expected with the suggestion that this may be because Total Mobility scheme members have begun to ‘live with’ COVID-19 in their community.  Trips taken were up 10.6% and expenditure was up 9.6% compared to Quarter 1 2021/2022.

2.3      Budget Update

The key budget highlights for the period ended 31 December 2021 are as follows:

·     Operating revenue at the end of Quarter 2 2021/22 is $0.7m lower than budget, and full year forecast is $3.0m lower than budget. COVID-19 impacts on fare revenue are estimated at $0.4m and Waka Kotahi have confirmed additional assistance to cushion these impacts up to 30 June 2022.

·     Waka Kotahi have not approved Rotorua’s optimisation ‘A Balanced Network’ resulting in lower fare revenue of $0.6m, and the Western Bay of Plenty Transport Systems Plan is deferred resulting in lower than planned subsidies of $2.0m.

·     Operating expenditure at the end of Quarter 2 2021/22 is $0.9 million lower than budget. Full year forecast is $3.7m lower than budget primarily due to deferral of the Western Bay of Plenty Transport Systems Plan ($2.0m) and Rotorua’s optimisation ‘A Balanced Network’ ($1.6m) which was not approved by Waka Kotahi. Cost savings as a result of the Tauranga network refresh are included in the forecasts and help to offset rising indexation costs linked to inflation.

·     At the end of the period capital revenue is $0.4m lower than budget and capital expenditure is $0.5m lower than budget.

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

Adobe Systems

INFORM

Whakamōhio

To provide affected communities with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and/or solutions.

 

3.4      Financial Implications

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

4.        Next Steps

As this report is for information only, no further steps are required.

 

 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Public Transport Arotake Tuarua FINAL  

 


Public Transport Committee                                         17 March 2022

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Report To:

Public Transport Committee

Meeting Date:

17 March 2022

Report Writer:

James Llewellyn, Transport & Urban Planning Manager

Report Authoriser:

Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science

Purpose:

To provide councillors with an update on strategic direction of public transport projects for progression over the next 12-24 months.

 

 

Strategic Direction in 2022

 

Executive Summary

This report provides a summary of key public transport projects and timeframes.

The Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) is the key policy document which underpins all of our work in particular the future service model and regional fare review.  This document is progressing well, and is on course for being approved at the September 2022 meeting of this committee.

The Public Transport Services and Infrastructure Business Case – including early deliverables to feed into other business case work – is the key priority to progress in 2022.  This work will set out the 10-year investment strategy, to deliver the Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI) Medium Scenario.  The focus will be on additional bus service coverage / frequency, and the infrastructure necessary to provide punctual, reliable and high quality customer experience.

A shorter term focus is refreshing local bus networks across the region, which aim to optimise service provision and increase patronage, within existing budgets.  The specific initiatives are:

·     Rotorua Public Transport Network Refresh;

·     Eastern Bay Public Transport Network Refresh;

·     On-Demand Public Transport Trial for Tauranga South;

·     Western Bay Public Transport Refresh Phase 2;

·     Travel Demand Management and Behaviour Change programme; and

 

 

·     The Wednesday Challenge.

There is also a focus on projects already under way which aim to further develop the public transport network over the medium to longer term:

·     Ōmokoroa Ferry High Level Business Case;

·     Hydrogen Bus Trial; and

·     Bus Fleet Decarbonisation Feasibility Study.

In addition, it is important to note work on key public transport projects (or projects with public transport aspects) being progressed by partners:

·     Tauranga CBD temporary interchange;

·     Tauranga CBD permanent interchange; and

·     Arataki bus interchange business case.

 

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1     Receives the report, Strategic Direction in 2022;

2     Endorses the Public Transport Committee Work Programme for 2022.

 

1.        Introduction

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with raised expectations around climate change, the work programme for the Public Transport Committee for 2022 needs to balance understandable ambition with practical reality.  This report sets out a work programme which, with suitable resources available at the right time, represents a significant enhancement of work to date.

We are looking to build on the success of projects such as the Western Bay Phase One refresh and set ourselves up for a future where public transport undertakes much more responsibility for meeting the government’s highly ambitious target of reducing vehicle kilometres travelled by 20% in 2035.

1.1      Legislative Framework

Regional Council undertakes its transport functions under the Land Transport Management Act (LTMA) 2013.

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 work programme aims to give effect to the vibrant region priority by delivering a series of projects which collectively will increase sustainable access and travel choice to communities in the Bay of Plenty.  There will also be a strong emphasis on making better use of existing resources through optimisation of existing investment.

1.2.1    Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

¨ Environmental

Medium - Positive

¨ Cultural

Low - Positive

¨ Social

High - Positive

¨ Economic

High - Positive

2.        Summary of Work Programme

The work programme is shown as Attachment 1.  Many of these items will also be considered by the newly-formed Tauranga Joint Public Transport Committee.

The highest priorities for Regional Council will be completion of the Regional Public Transport Plan and commencement of the Public Transport Services & Infrastructure business case.  These two pieces of work will provide solid foundations for future investment as agreed in the Long Term Plan (LTP).

Making better use of existing spending is also a high priority through work on network refreshes in Rotorua, Eastern Bay and Western Bay (Phase 2).  As an additional investment proposal in the Annual Plan, the desire to trial smaller buses is addressed through an on-demand public transport trial in the south of Tauranga.

Climate change is also a key consideration, and the LTP-funded bus decarbonisation study is commencing work in line with the next major contract renewal for Rotorua (July 2024).  The proposal to undertake a trial of converting a diesel bus to hydrogen is a project which will be progressed if funded through the Annual Plan.  Recent interest in the potential of water-borne transport is reflected in a priority to progress a high level business case which will assess potential for a service between Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui and Tauranga CBD.  Both these latter two projects would include joint working with Priority One.

Note there are projects included in the work programme that are subject to approval through the 2021/22 Regional Council Annual Plan process

3.        Considerations

3.1      Risks and Mitigations

The most significant risk to delivery of the work programme is the spread of COVID-19 with the impact on public transport delivery, and in supporting partners out of sequence additional work.  As a result the programme will be subject to re-prioritisation throughout the year.  Therefore, any dates which are outlined in the programme may be subject to change.

3.2      Climate Change

Mitigation

Adaptation

Reduce GHG emissions

Produce GHG emissions

Sequester carbon

Anticipate climate change impacts

Respond to climate change impacts

 

The planning of public transport services aims to reduce transport emissions by increasing the number of people moved per kg of carbon emitted.

3.3      Implications for Māori

Improvements to our public transport network via the work components covered in this report have the potential to have positive effects for Māori around accessibility and provision of transport options.  This is particularly in locations where there are higher proportions of Māori in the local population.  Public transport services can provide Māori better access to essential services, including employment and education opportunities, and health care services.

Involving Māori in public transport decision-making is particularly relevant in projects that have the potential to affect services to Māori communities.  Public transport reviews, and the Regional Public Transport Plan are projects where consultation with mana whenua will be important.

The engagement requirements of public transport projects will be mapped out to develop an engagement programme that clearly identifies key groups or audiences (e.g. iwi / hapū groups, Māori as bus users) and how best to engage.  Opportunities for working with other agencies on engagement events and processes will be pursued.

3.4      Community Engagement

Adobe Systems

INVOLVE

Whakaura

To work directly with affected communities throughout the process to ensure that their issues and concerns are consistently understood and fully considered in Council’s decision making.

Whilst the level of community engagement for every project and programme will vary, involving communities in the medium to longer term work is critical if services and infrastructure are to be designed against demand.

3.5      Financial Implications

As noted above o, there are a number of projects that will require additional funding through the Annual Plan; namely:

·     On-Demand Public Transport Service Trial; and

·     Hydrogen Bus trial.

Work on these projects will only progress if they are funded through the Annual Plan.

Bus network refresh projects in Rotorua and Western Bay (Phase 2) can be completed within existing budgets.

4.        Next Steps

Projects described in this report will continue to be progressed and reported on a regular basis to this committee. 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - PTC Summary Work Programme for 2022   


Public Transport Committee                                         17 March 2022

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Report To:

Public Transport Committee

Meeting Date:

17 March 2022

Report Writer:

James Llewellyn, Transport & Urban Planning Manager

Report Authoriser:

Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science

Purpose:

To outline potential improvements to the public transport network, that can be progressed subject to further work and agreement throughout the year.

 

 

Improving Our Network

 

Executive Summary

This report outlines potential shorter term improvements which could be progressed, subject to any necessary further work and collaboration between partners, specifically:

·          Changes to service 122 which runs between Ōhope and Whakatāne – specifically a new routing which will result in quicker journeys to the CBD and serving The Hub retail area); and

·          Transport Management System (TMS) Road Map – outlining how we will move towards an improved “self-service” approach to data provision and analysis for our stakeholders and customers.

 

Recommendations

That the Public Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Improving Our Network.

 

1.        Introduction

The Strategic Direction in 2022 report to this committee provides a summary of the various major business cases and projects that will contribute to improving the system for public transport passengers.  However Regional Council is always seeking opportunities to make changes which improve the efficiency and legibility of the public transport system.

The purpose of this report is therefore to outline potential shorter term improvements which could be progressed, subject to any necessary further work and collaboration between partners.

1.1      Legislative Framework

Initiatives under this report generally take place under 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 initiatives outlined in this paper will make a contribution to improving the efficiency and attractiveness of the public transport network.

1.2.1    Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

¨ Environmental

Medium - Positive

¨ Cultural

Low - Positive

¨ Social

Medium - Positive

¨ Economic

Medium - Positive

2.        Summary of Proposed Initiatives

2.1      Possible Changes to Route 122, Whakatāne

The Eastern Bay bus network is subject to a review and refresh over the next 12-18 months, and this work will consider improvements both before and after the contract renewal in July 2025.  In the next few months, there is an opportunity to deliver a short term improvement to route 122 between Ōhope and Whakatāne CBD via the Hospital and the Awatapu area of the town.

There are currently eight inbound journeys and seven outbound journeys per day, making it the only bus route in the area that operates to a daily frequency.  The 122 route carried 20,000 passenger journeys in the year July 2020 and June 2021.  Revenue for the same period was $20,900.  There were 3,200 Gold Card and 7,500 child passenger journeys.

The proposal is to replace the current 122 service with a new cross-town ROUTE ONE which would be extended to terminate at The Hub, where new bus stops have recently been provided.  A review of route length and timings suggests that the service change can be delivered within existing budgets.  Initial discussions with the bus operator have been very positive.

The map below shows old and new routes in the Whakatāne urban area.  The route in Ōhope is unchanged.  Red crosses denote bus stops no longer served.  Green ticks show proposed new stops.  In some instances, it will be necessary to remove small numbers of car parking spaces in order to accommodate these stops.

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The following table summarises the pros and cons of the proposal:

Pros

Cons

Coming into the CBD from Ōhope via Commerce Street dramatically cuts the journey time making the bus a much more attractive option for those going to the centre.  Access to the hospital is maintained.

Goulstone Road and part of James Street would no longer be served. Whilst all the affected stops could be relocated into adjoining streets close by, residents in those roads would still have slightly further to walk to their nearest stop.

Ōhope and many parts of Whakatāne would have a direct service to The Hub.

Students at Whakatāne High School would have about 200 metres further to walk to their nearest stop in King Street. There are not large numbers of students who use this service (approximately eight per day in March 2022).

The Countdown and Pak ‘n Save supermarkets would be served in both directions.

The route would no longer serve the New World car park or the Quay Street stop in the CBD.  It could be extended to serve Quay Street, but this would slow the service down.

Residents and businesses on Commerce Street and its side streets would have a bus service where currently there is none.

 

The next steps will be to:

·     Work with Whakatāne District Council to identify a delivery mechanism for the necessary bus stop infrastructure (location is key to optimising access for passengers);

·     Develop an implementation programme / resource plan for the operational delivery work;

·     Develop an appropriate communications and engagement approach; and

·     Bring forward a paper to this committee for a decision, if there is agreement that the changes should be made.

These short-term improvements will deliver some immediate benefits whilst the work on the network refresh considers medium to longer term improvements.

2.2      Transport Management System (TMS) Road Map

There is a growing demand from all stakeholders for better public transport data, and a desire to ensure that the right information is provided at the right time to the right people.  There is also a requirement for greater clarity around how data can best be used to support evidence-based decision making.

The Regional Integrated Ticketing Solution (RITS) which was rolled out in July 2020 to deliver paperless ticketing, captures detailed information which has yet to be fully utilised in meeting stakeholder requirements.  The current format of this trip data is neither intuitive nor user-friendly which is restricting its current use.

The other major source of data being captured is the Dynamis real time data capture system.  This data is generated by way of GPS tracking on the buses from the Bus Driver Console (BDC).  This data also remains relatively untapped providing opportunities to further meet and enhance the reporting provided to stakeholders.

To address these challenges Regional Council has formed a new Transport Data Systems team and commissioned work to produce a Transport Management System (TMS) road map for how an improved approach can be designed and delivered.

By actively engaging through workshops and one on one interviews, stakeholders will have the opportunity to share what are the most important and relevant pieces of public transport information that they each require to support robust decision making.  This input will then form the key input to shape the future direction of the Transport Systems Team.

Through gaining valuable insights into what is important, future solutions and initiatives will be targeted to meet the needs of the stakeholders.  Providing relevant, timely and accurate data to stakeholders will lead to improved planning, management, and governance of the public transport network.  Better informed decision making will then flow on to provide an improved public transport system for the community.

The aspiration for the TMS is to enable stakeholders to have “self-service” access to all available public transport data sets and run reports on the specific information they need.  In this way, access to data is open and transparent, and can therefore enable stakeholders to progress up the “value chain” from data towards information, knowledge and wisdom:

Data

A fact or statement of event without relation to other things.

Example: number of passengers on individual bus services.

Information

Embodies the understanding of a relationship of some sort, possibly cause and effect.

Example: number of passengers on different bus services across the day, which indicate that peak demand (and the peak vehicle requirement) is related to people’s travel to school and work.

Knowledge

Represents a pattern that connects and generally provides a high level of predictability as to what is described or what will happen next.

Example: number of passengers on different bus services across the week and month and compared over a number of years - which shows the variation across different time periods over a period of years and reflects people’s locational preferences for live, work and play.

Wisdom

Embodies more of an understanding of fundamental principles embodied within the knowledge.

Example: evidence of how public transport service coverage and frequency can both fit in with, and influence, people’s lifestyle choices.

Key next steps are:

·    Stakeholder engagement – early March 2022;

·    Draft report, plan and road map – late March 2022.

·    Final report, plan and roadmap – April 2022.

·    Approval at Public Transport Committee – May 2022.

·    Road map implementation – June 2022 onwards.

Not all data initiatives and improvements will be able to be carried out immediately or concurrently.  The road map will look at prioritising what needs to be done to provide the best outcomes.

3.        Considerations

3.1      Risks and Mitigations

Risks associated with any of these initiatives will be managed through the relevant project planning processes.

3.2      Climate Change

 

Mitigation

Adaptation

Reduce GHG emissions

Produce GHG emissions

Sequester carbon

Anticipate climate change impacts

Respond to climate change impacts

The Transport Management System will be key to better understanding the environmental performance of the public transport network; and most importantly how it can be improved.

3.3      Implications for Māori

Better understanding the public transport needs of Māori is critically important to building a fully inclusive system.  Messaging through the Public Transport Story will consider any particular aspects which are important to Māori.

3.4      Community Engagement

Adobe Systems

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

All initiatives outlined in this paper will be subject to the appropriate levels of consultation.

3.5      Financial Implications

The intent is to deliver all of these improvement initiatives within existing council budgets.

4.        Next Steps

These initiatives will be further progressed and reported back to future meetings of this committee – most likely in June of this year.