A Wellington subcommittee has agreed BRT is the best way forward for the city
A Bus Rapid Transit system has been recommended as the best option for a first class, modern and affordable public transport solution through central Wellington.
The Public Transport Spine Options Hearing Subcommittee Chair Fran Wilde says submitters provided a great deal of thought-provoking material with a range of different perspectives.
“The subcommittee agreed that the primary purpose of the public transport spine is to provide one clear legible corridor through the city centre, as well as providing an efficient and frequent connection between the central city and the key intensification areas in the southern and eastern suburbs,” she says,
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says improving the quality and reliability of the city’s public transport is critical to the capital’s economic success, attractiveness and to minimising emissions.
“We heard many issues raised, asked questions of staff and the consultants and agreed that bus priority and progress to Bus Rapid Transit are the next significant improvements for the city’s public transport,” she says.
Transport Agency regional director Central Jenny Chetwynd says they want to make public transport journeys along the spine quicker and more reliable so that people can use public transport with a high level of confidence that they will reach their destination at a particular time.
“The preference for Bus Rapid Transit reflects that it appears best placed to deliver these benefits,” says
The subcommittee’s key draft recommendations includes a core spine corridor with dedicated public transport lanes, improved or new facilities at key interchanges and future proofing a route for a possible extension of the spine to the airport.
The subcommittee’s draft recommendations will be considered by Wellington City and Greater Wellington Regional Councils.
Final recommendations will go to the Regional Transport Committee in early March.
Following a decision by that committee, the partner organisations will identify the next steps and implementation activities will be included in the next Regional Land Transport Plan for 2015.