Transforming public transport

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 for the quarter with 97 per cent of trips departing their timetabled starting location on time. The reason for not meeting this level of service in recent years was driver shortages. This issue has been largely resolved by increasing driver wages during the last year. A fair pay bargaining agreement is currently under negotiation.

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 quarter one, there were 245 full audits completed, resulting in an average quality score for the total fleet of 86 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. Hanmer Springs Vehicle Trust has received funding to become operational. We will work with groups that meet the criteria for vehicle trust support throughout the year.

No new vehicles entered the fleet during quarter one.

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, Council approved funding for a trial of safety officers for Greater Christchurch network through the Annual Plan 2023-24, and we are awaiting resource to commence procuring safety resources to support the Network Safety Officer trial.

How are we doing: Planning and drafting of the Regional Public Transport Plan content is well underway. We are reconfirming the scope to accommodate significant changes in legislation and policy and to confirm the process and roles.

How are we doing: We are preparing recommended next steps to consider accelerating service improvements aligned to the accelerated Public Transport Futures infrastructure programme. A paper has been drafted by the Transport Managers Group regarding potential acceleration of PT Futures. This is going through approval processes currently.

How are we doing: Work has begun on frequency uplift for Route 7 to become part of the turn-up-and-go route core network. 

How are we doing: The Environment Canterbury team has been mobilising and we have been working as part of the National Programme on the design and configuration of the solution for Canterbury.

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