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Transforming public transport

Last updated: 01 November 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Air quality, transport and urban development

We are transforming the delivery of public transport services to meet the needs of the community, including championing increased density of urban areas and multi-modal transport options to transform urban environments to enrich how people live and work, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants from our region’s transport network and urban environments.

We provide three types of public transport in the Canterbury region — urban public transport services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru, subsidised door-to-door transport services for people with mobility impairments as part of our Total Mobility scheme and funding grants for Community Vehicle Trusts. Bus stops, seats, shelters and bus priority measures are provided and maintained by city and district councils.

Our Canterbury Regional Public Transport Plan is updated every three years and includes policies on fares, funding, vehicle quality, service standards, procurement, infrastructure and monitoring. Our metro strategies for Greater Christchurch and Timaru set targets aimed at improving public transport based on public suggestions and the work of our Public Transport Advisory Group.

We also manage the implementation and ongoing operation of technology systems used to support successful delivery of public transport (eg real-time information, ticketing, web services and Bus Interchange operations) to enable the reliable and effective delivery of public transport services.

How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?

Level of Service 29: Deliver quality, cost-effective public transport services that meet the needs of the community and result in increased patronage.

As part of this Level of Service, we will:

  • 29.1: Provide quality public transport services for customers
    • a) Ensure ≥95 per cent of all trips depart their timetabled starting location on time.
    • b) Ensure the operational vehicle fleet achieves an average quality score ≥ 80 per cent from audit.
    • c) Ensure ≥95 per cent of passengers are satisfied or better with the overall service.
  • 29.2: Provide transport options for those whose mobility choices are restricted by disability and/or location.
  • 29.3: Reduce the environmental footprint of operating contracted public transport services in the Canterbury region.

How are we doing: We are on track with 96 per cent of trips departing their timetabled starting location on time for the period to the end of December 2023.

We undertake quality audits of the vehicle fleet on a continual basis throughout the year and aim to audit each vehicle at least once per quarter. Each audit includes inspecting the exterior and interior of the vehicle. For the year to date, the average quality score for the total fleet was 86 per cent, well above the target of 80 per cent.

Survey planning is underway to complete our annual Metro User Survey in quarter four.

We have not had any approaches related to new Vehicle Trusts this quarter and no new vehicles entered the fleet.

On track

How are we doing on key initiatives?

Public Transport Safety enhancement investigation

How are we doing: Four workstreams are underway (management of interchange, safety officers, cash on buses and review of code of conduct for passengers on buses) and are progressing, with interchange safety improvements ongoing but generally delivered. Cash on buses is to be aligned with a national ticketing system. In June 2023, Council approved funding for a trial of safety officers for Greater Christchurch network through the Annual Plan 2023-24. A request for proposals for tender development is underway to support the Network Safety Officer trial.

 

 

On track
Regional Public Transport Plan review

How are we doing: The draft Regional Public Transport Plan is in development.

The Greater Christchurch Partnership Committee and Regional Transport Committee have appointed four representatives each, to form two hearing panels for the special consultative process. 

On track
Public Transport Futures strategy and planning (with Greater Christchurch Partnership)

How are we doing: Council provided guidance on a preferred option for a programme for service improvements in public transport for inclusion in the Long-Term Plan 2024-34 that is consistent with the original business case (all core routes in the next three years). Staff prepared a draft consultation document and supporting information (draft Long-Term Plan) for Councillors to review.

On track
Service 7 frequency uplift

How are we doing: Council approved a cost variation to implement a 10-minute frequency for Route 7, so that buses could be ordered. We began work on a business case to confirm funding for the uplift through the National Land Transport Programme.

On track
National Ticketing System (project NEXT)

How are we doing: We have been working as part of the National Programme on the design and configuration of the National Ticketing System solution for Canterbury.

In quarter two, we continued work on the configuration of the system and the development of key strategies for the retail network, customer engagement, and change, including engagement with key stakeholders. The first members of the retail outlet network have signed up.

On track
Electric vehicles procurement and planning

How are we doing: We have ordered seven new EV buses which are expected to arrive early in 2024. As part of Central Government’s Public Transport Fleet Decarbonisation Fund (CERF), we have been approved to receive funding to procure another 12 EV buses.

Council approved funding for electric vehicle infrastructure in October. 

On track

Recent highlights and updates

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