Higher urban density in the Greater Wellington region in the next 30 years will place increasing demands on regional transport. Porirua’s population alone is estimated to increase by 22,000 people by 2054.
For this growth to be sustainable, and to ensure we achieve our goals of improving safety, access and reducing emissions, Greater Wellington and its local and central government partners will need to continue to invest in public transport infrastructure and services.
That’s why public consultation on our Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) is so important and I would like to thank everyone who offered their opinions and feedback. This is a vital element of our local democracy and enables us to understand your needs best and provide public transport accordingly.
Wellington has the highest public transport use per person in New Zealand, which is a statistic we take great pride in. However, we are now faced with new challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, reduced central government funding and new NZTA policies focused on increasing the ‘private share’ of our public transport operating costs, i.e. the proportion of costs covered by passenger fares and third-party revenue like advertising.
To reduce rates, and respond to central government direction and funding shortfalls, we are proposing to defer development of the bus interchange and driver facilities in Porirua. But this is not the only project that has had to be deferred, and the decisions were not taken lightly.
If you would like more details on our upcoming transport plans for your area, I encourage you to read the Porirua Regional Focus section starting on page 96 of our RPTP.
On 30 April, submitters on the RPTP will be sharing their thoughts in informal hearings – a more relaxed format with other members of the public and members of the Transport Committee. Further, formal public submissions on the draft RPTP will be heard by councillors on 6-7 May.
During May and June, we will consider and respond to the insights and information collected through the consultation process and prepare the final RPTP for Council consideration.
As we saw recently, with the signal system outage at Wellington Station, an efficient and reliable public transport system is absolutely vital to a thriving region. Making bus and train travel convenient and cost effective for passengers in Porirua is a priority for Greater Wellington and we are steadfast in our conviction that we can provide the best possible service when we work together with our partners and listen to our passengers’ feedback.
While consultation has closed for the RPTP, I urge you to keep an eye out for more opportunities to feedback to us on matters that interest you. Each submission is read and considered and it’s a fantastic way for you to have regular influence and say in our community.
Greater Wellington asks for formal feedback on a range of activities via our Kōrero Mai | Have Your Say page.
You can also sign up to our fortnightly community newsletter Tō Tātou Rohe to receive regular updates on what is open for consultation, alongside other important regional news.
Kōrero Mai | Have Your Say page: https://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/
Tō Tātou Rohe newsletter subscription: https://www.gw.govt.nz/your-region/news/subscribe-to-our-fortnightly-newsletter/
Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) – Porirua Regional Focus section (page 96): https://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/93617/widgets/457733/documents/303982