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Transforming public transport
Last updated: 22 February 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.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 29.1 Provide quality public transport services for customers
- a) Ensure ≥95% of all trips depart their timetabled starting location on time
How are we doing: This measure is directly impacted by driver shortages and the current rate for trips departing on time is 90% which is below the 95% target, (this was 91.1% at end of quarter 1).
At risk
Level of Service 29: Deliver quality, cost-effective public transport services that meets the needs of the community and results in increased patronage
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 29.1 Provide quality public transport services for customers
- b) Ensure the operational vehicle fleet achieves an average quality score ≥ 80% from audit
- c) Ensure ≥95% 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: Our current quality score is greater than the threshold and our annual passenger survey is in progress. We’ve enabled and supported Community Vehicle Trusts in the region and we're on track to meet our 2035 emissions-free goal with the addition of 16 new electric vehicles joining our fleet in December 2022. 20% of Metro’s fleet is now electric.
On track
How are we doing on key initiatives?
Fares package development and delivery
How are we doing: We progressed preparations to meet the new fare implementation date of April 2023 following the Government’s decision to extend 50% of fares until the end of March 2023.
On track
National driver shortage & response mitigation
How are we doing: Wage increases for bus drivers were implemented from 1 October 2022. Recruitment processes will take some time to mitigate the issue. The Government have announced immigration changes that may also help address driver shortages. Further step change in wages anticipated in April, following Government funding approvals.
Monitor
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). Interchange security has been improved. ‘Request for Information’ completed to inform Safety Officer investigation.
Monitor
Government Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) review
How are we doing: Development of business case for new operating model has commenced.
On track
Regional Public Transport Plan review
How are we doing: A full review to be planned this quarter.
On track
Public Transport Futures strategy and planning (with Greater Christchurch Partnership)
How are we doing: A feasibility analysis of compressing the programme to 6-8 years has been undertaken and we are assessing potential funding impacts.
On track
Routes 17 & 28 service enhancements
How are we doing: The driver shortage is impacting implementation.
Requires attention
Route 7 corridor and supporting routes service enhancements
How are we doing: Service review planning is underway.
Requires attention
National Ticketing System (project NEXT)
How are we doing: The procurement process is now completed and a public announcement was made in October 2022. The new ticketing solution is expected to be implemented in Greater Christchurch in mid-2024.
Monitor
Electric vehicles procurement and planning
How are we doing: Metro’s bus fleet is now 20% zero-emissions with the addition of 16 electric vehicles joining fleet in December. Further purchases are to come for routes 17 & 28.
On track
Greater Christchurch Mass Rapid Transit indicative business case
How are we doing: Waka Kotahi is leading this work. A business case is being progressed.
On track
Recent highlights and updates
News
Central government, mana whenua, and local government met to mark the beginning of a newly strengthened partnership to drive planning for Greater Christchurch.
News
New real-time information system replacing the previous radio-based solution with a GPS based solution.
News
Half-price fares for Metro’s bus and ferry services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru have come into effect for three months from 1 April 2022.