Just days after a major earthquake, Wellington is planning its future public transport network
July 26, 2013
New Zealanders will get a say in the shaping of the national capital’s public transport system after the release of the Wellington Public Transport Study.
Just days after a major 6.5 earthquake in the region, the Greater Wellington Council is calling for feedback on the study, which currently finds favour in a bus rapid transit network among three options which includes bus priority and light rail.
Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Fran Wilde says the 18-month study found that the bus rapid transit option had the most benefits.
“One of the great advantages of bus rapid transit is that there’s no need to transfer on the major routes, such as out to Island Bay, Miramar and Seatoun,” Wilde says.
“Bus Rapid Transit is the Regional Transport Committee’s preferred option – it’s now up to people in the region to tell us what they think.”
Wellington’s mayor Celia Wade-Brown says better public transport is critical to the development of the capital city.
“Reduced travel time and increased reliability are very important,” she says.
New Zealand Transport Agency central regional director Jenny Chetywnd, believes Wellington has a genuine opportunity to have a ‘fantastic’ new public transport system up and running in the near future.
“This depends on us identifying a solution that makes sense in terms of cost and its suitability for Wellington’s unique topography,” Chetwynd says.
“The flexibility and convenience of bus rapid transit, and its ability to deliver these additional benefits for a fraction of the cost of light rail, marks it as a clear frontrunner at this stage.”
Feedback closes on Monday September 30, 2013.