Sustainable public transport proposals

A new “Sustainable Public Transport Framework” announced by transport minister Michael Wood plans to support ‘on-demand’ public transport services, allow councils to own and operate services in house, deliver routes and services reflecting community needs, incentivise fleet decarbonisation and improve public transport pay and working conditions.

The Auckland Council is tipped to release its “Transport Emissions Reduction Plan” this week, aimed at reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050 when Auckland’s population is expected to reach 2.464 million.

Auckland has also introduced a ‘Climate Action Targeted Rate’ to help raise funds for faster replacement of diesel buses and ferries with low emission (electric) versions and encourage more active transport.

Meanwhile, Wood says the Government is rolling out a new public transport model “that will prioritise fair and equitable treatment of employees, mode-shift and improved environment and health outcomes”.

“The current model that was meant to lead to better public transport is causing operators to wind back services and timetables because they can’t get drivers. Public transport is too important to our environmental, social and economic goals to allow this to continue.”

Wood says the new framework will help to create a reliable public transport system that is “a credible alternative to using cars to get around”.

Improving public transport employee conditions is intended to boost the situation as well.

“The new model will also give local authorities more flexibility and control over how public transport is planned and delivered, so they can have a solution that works for their communities,” Wood explains.

“Public transport authorities will have the option to own assets and operate services, if they feel that’s a better solution for their community than outsourcing to an outside provider. This will make it easier to plan networks and services, to set fares and policies, and encourage innovation in how services are delivered,” he says, with AT Local in South Auckland and ‘MyWay’ in Timaru cited as examples of on-demand transport services.

“Our Government recognises that public transport is a lifeline that connects people to work, to school, to recreation and to their friends and family. These changes will mean that we have an effective, reliable and sustainable public transport system well into the future.”

The new Sustainable Public Transport Framework will replace the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) which has been operating since 2013.

PTOM is the current policy and legislative framework for the planning, procurement, and delivery of bus and ferry public transport services, which has been in place since 2013.