Agenda of Regional Transport Committee

Regional Transport Committee

29 March 2022

Page No.

Karakia and Mihi Timatanga

1. Apologies

Nil

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

3. Interests

3.1 Updates to the Interests Register

3.2 Identify any conflicts of interest in the agenda

4. Public Forum

4.1 Nelson Tasman Climate Forum - Making the most of the existing road network (Bus Priority)

Kate Malcolm, on behalf of Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, will speak about making the most of the existing road network (Bus Priority).

4.2 Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust - Whakatu Drive Shared Pathway Upgrade

Gillian Wratt, on behalf of the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, will speak about the Whakatu Drive shared pathway upgrade.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 6 December 2021 5 - 9

Document number M19148

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, held on 6 December 2021, as a true and correct record.

6. Chairperson's Report 10 - 11

Document number R26746

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Chairperson's Report (R26746).

7. Public Transport Update 12 - 15

Document number R26503

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Public Transport Update (R26503).

8. Waka Kotahi Update 16 - 36

Document number R26700

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Waka Kotahi Update (R26700) and its attachment (A2861183).

Karakia Whakamutanga

Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 6 December 2021

Minutes of a meeting of the

Regional Transport Committee

Te Kōmiti Waka-ā-Rohe

Held in the Council Chamber, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson on Monday 6 December 2021, commencing at 1.30p.m.

Present: Cr B McGurk (Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor R Reese, Councillor J Edgar (Deputy Chairperson – by Zoom connection), Councillor R O'Neill-Stevens and Waka Kotahi Representative Ms E Speight

In Attendance: Group Manager Infrastructure (A Louverdis), Manager Transport and Solid Waste (M Parfitt), Waka Kotahi Representative (A James), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne), Governance Adviser (K Redgrove) and Administrator (P Boutle).

Apologies : Nil

Karakia and Mihi Timatanga

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

There were no changes to the order of business. It was noted an updated Chairperson’s report had been circulated.

3. Interests

There were no updates to the Interests Register, and no interests with items on the agenda were declared.

4. Public Forum

4.1. Biddy Myers - The need to support Electric Vehicles in our Region

Document number R26335

Biddy Myers tabled supporting information (A2799852) and spoke about the need to support electric vehicles in the region.

She submitted that additional stations for electric vehicles should be provided across the region and that each of these should have two charging units to reduce queues. She suggested the additional costs could be mitigated by partnering with other agencies and businesses.

The meeting discussed how to advance the points raised by Ms Myers and noted that communications with Waka Kotahi and initiatives supported in the Long Term Plan may assist. It was suggested an addendum capturing Ms Myer’s views should be included with the recent submission to Central Government on climate change.

Attachments

1. A2799852 - Biddy Myers tabled document

4.2. NELSUST - Bus Priority, Incremental Options from 2023

Document number R26484

Peter Olorenshaw, on behalf of the Nelson Transport Strategy Group, spoke about bus priority incremental options from 2023. In his view, the Nelson Future Access Study had not properly grasped the changes required to make use of public transport a more attractive option. He also expressed disappointment that timelines for implementation were not sooner. He described a number of measures he considered key in order to achieve this, including give way provisions, priority lights and priority lanes for buses. He also considered an upgrade to the Nelson bus depot was a priority.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 28 September 2021

Document number M18972, agenda pages 6 - 9 refer.

Resolved RTC/2021/017

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Transport Committee, held on 28 September 2021, as a true and correct record.

O'Neill-Stevens/McGurk Carried

6. Regional Transport Committee Chair's Report

Document number R26461, agenda pages 10 - 10 refer.

An updated Chairperson’s report was tabled (A2797516). The Chair made particular mention of the positive progress with the Rocks Road Walking and Cycling Pre-Implementation, noting there were still procedural steps around funding to overcome.

Resolved RTC/2021/018

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Regional Transport Committee Chair's Report (A2797516).

McGurk/O'Neill-Stevens Carried

7. Variation to Regional Land Transport Plan - Rocks Road Walking and Cycling Pre-Implementation

Document number R26260, agenda pages 11 - 37 refer.

The Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, presented the report, noting suggested minor amendments which would be incorporated in the Plan prior to publication. Waka Kotahi representative, Emma Speight, confirmed safety considerations for the work would be reflected through the design and safety audit processes.

Resolved RTC/2021/019

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Variation to Regional Land Transport Plan - Rocks Road Walking and Cycling Pre-Implementation (R26260) and its attachments (A2779559 and A2781180); and

2. Notes that a variation to amend the Regional Land Transport Plan is required to include the SH6 Rocks Road Pre-Implementation Phase to facilitate Waka Kotahi seeking funding concurrently with the Business Case approval, and that consultation on this variation is not required as it does not trigger Council’s Regional Land Transport Plan’s Significance Policy and nor is it appropriate to carry out any additional consultation in the circumstances; and

3. Approves, for submission to Council, subject to minor amendments, that the Nelson Regional Land Transport Programme 2021-31 is varied to include a total of $6.5M for “Pre-implementation Phase” for the SH6 Rocks Road Walking and Cycling facility spread over the 2021-24 financial years, noting that approval from both the Tasman District Council and Marlborough District Council is not required but that they be advised of the proposed variation.

O'Neill-Stevens/Speight Carried

Recommendation to Council RTC/2021/020

That the Council

1. Approves that the Nelson Regional Land Transport Programme 2021-31 is varied to include a total of $6.5M for “Pre-implementation Phase” for the SH6 Rocks Road Walking and Cycling facility spread over the 2021-24 financial years.

O'Neill-Stevens/Speight Carried

8. Waka Kotahi Update

Document number R26365, agenda pages 38 - 53 refer.

Ms Speight spoke to a PowerPoint presentation (A2792850), reporting that, whilst there had been a downturn in deaths and serious injuries statistics for 2020, these had to some extent been influenced by the Covid-19 lockdowns. She advised a new road safety campaign would soon be rolled out nationwide.

There was an update on signage, with inclusion of Te Reo Māori on those being replaced around schools.

Ms Speight described ongoing work with Central Government to restructure Waka Kotahi’s current funding model. She commented that supply chain issues and workforce availability was having a significant impact on costs.

It was noted the community still had significant concerns around the safety of the State Highway 6 intersection with Glen Road, Glenduan despite recent reductions in the speed limits between Nelson and Blenheim.

Ms Speight clarified how initiatives to encourage walking and cycling were prioritised, with volume of traffic and scale of benefit both being factors. She observed that even relatively small investments in provincial areas could deliver large benefits.

Resolved RTC/2021/021
	*That the Regional Transport Committee* 1. Receives the report Waka Kotahi Update (R26365) and its attachment (A2792850).
Speight/McGurk Carried
Attachments 1 A2792850 - Waka Kotahi Update PowerPoint presentation

Karakia Whakamutunga

There being no further business the meeting ended at 2.44 pm.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings by resolution on (date)

Resolved

Item 6: Chairperson's Report

Regional Transport Committee

29 March 2022

REPORT R26746

Chairperson's Report

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To present the Chairperson’s report to the Committee.

2. Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Chairperson's Report (R26746).

3. Update

3.1 On 21 February 2022 I participated in the scheduled meeting of South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs held remotely.

3.2 A common theme from the regional updates highlighted the vulnerability of the South Island roading network from adverse weather events.

3.3 There was a brief update from Waka Kotahi about a legal challenge to NLTP.

3.4 Most of the meeting discussed the arrangements for the upcoming South Island Freight Summit scheduled for Monday 28 March 2022 to develop a shared understanding of the issues and opportunities facing the South Island freight sector. It will be a joint meeting of South Island RTC Chairs along with the South Island Regional Council Chairs, Deputy Chairs and CEOs, Chairs of the Canterbury and the Otago Mayoral Forums as well as representatives from the various freight sectors, including Kiwi Rail, transport operators and port companies. Request for an operator in the coastal shipping sector is also to be invited.

3.5 With respect to the update on the draft scope of South Island Strategic Network Model, officers are still awaiting the release of the Ministry of Transport issues paper on National Freight and Supply Chain and that is a prerequisite to finalising the scope. There was a brief discussion about cycling routes.

Author: Brian McGurk, Chairperson

Attachments

Nil

Regional Transport Committee

29 March 2022

REPORT R26503

Public Transport Update

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To update the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) on several public transport matters.

2. Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee

1. Receives the report Public Transport Update (R26503).

3. Background

3.1 Since the Joint Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) was adopted by both Nelson’s and Tasman’s Regional Transport Committees in 2021, work has continued in preparing the new bus contract commencing in 2023.

3.2 The April 2021 deliberations report to the Nelson RTC on the RPTP noted a number of changes and areas of work to be carried out over the next 2 years. This report provides an update on the following issues alongside other relevant public transport matters.

· A commitment to work with the broader Tahunanui community over the next 12 months to determine the future bus routes and service timetables through Tahunanui to Stoke, the Airport and Nayland Road;

· To develop a policy of allowing dogs on public transport at off peak times provided they are in a suitable carrier;

· To ensure bus drivers under the existing contract are paid the living wage.

4. Discussion

Bus Routes and Timetables

4.1 Since adoption of the RPTP in June 2021 there has been ongoing community engagement regarding the final bus routes proposed for the new contract commencing July 2023. This engagement included public drop in sessions in Stoke and Tahunanui and online engagement through Shape Nelson. Whilst the drop-in sessions were affected by COVID in September and October 2021 and had limited attendees, more targeted engagement with community groups has since been undertaken.

4.2 Regarding the options for Route 4, through Tahunanui from Bisley Ave to the airport, most support was received for using Muritai St into Waikare Rd, then Golf Rd, Parkers Rd and Bolt Rd through to the airport. Officers support this as providing most appropriate coverage of the Tahunanui area and propose to adopt this route.

4.3 The RPTP proposes to reroute Route 2 via Songer St and Nayland Rd, but further work on this is required. Initially a smaller bus size was proposed for this route but some uncertainty over bus sizes/fleet composition remains. Large buses cannot currently safely make the left hand turn from Main Road Stoke into Songer St. Further work to investigate reconfiguration of the intersection or an alternative route is currently under investigation. In the interim it is proposed to leave the service on the existing route along Main Road Stoke.

4.4 Proposed bus routes through the city have been considered in light of the approved Te Ara ō Whakatū –Nelson’s City Centre Spatial Plan, the physical limitations on some bus turning movements, and the proposed location of the new Bus Interchange. The current proposal is to base the routes on the ring road leaving Bridge St and Hardy St free of buses.

Bus Contract timing

4.5 The existing bus contract expires in June 2023 and a new contract is under development and expected to commence in July 2023. A procurement strategy for the new contract has been developed and has been submitted to and approved by Waka Kotahi.

4.6 The procurement strategy currently proposes a joint Principal’s Contract arrangement where NCC and TDC to share risk and costs.

4.7 The new contract will be procured with TDC actively participating in the tender preparation and evaluation. The contract will encourage competition and will need to be compliant with Waka Kotahi’s procurement procedures and specifically the Public Transport Operating Requirements (PTOM). The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released in early May 2022.

4.8 RFP responses received will be evaluated in June 2022 and pending approval, contract award will be made allowing any potential operator a 12-month lead in time.

Bus specifications

4.9 The RPTP signalled a transition to low or zero carbon buses as part of the new PT contract. Officers have been working with a group from around the country on decarbonisation of the public transport fleet and from that it is evident that there will be some challenges in achieving a zero-carbon fleet under the new contract from 1 July 2023. It is likely that the contract will need to allow for a phased introduction of a zero-carbon fleet, with low carbon buses specified in the contract for use initially. This is due to a number of factors including the supply of e-buses available, the cost of e-buses and the supportive charging infrastructure for them.

Branding and other support

4.10 Work has commenced on developing a brand for the new regional bus service. This brand is likely to be a subset of a larger sustainable transport branding package being jointly developed by TDC and NCC that encompasses walking cycling, ride sharing and public transport.

4.11 Officers have noted past feedback concerning content of bus back advertising. An advertising policy which gives Council more control is currently being drafted.

4.12 A public transport adviser position, which had funding approved in the RPTP and LTP, will be recruited in mid-2022. This person will be responsible for contract management, ongoing promotion, improvements to real time information, and monitoring of public transport patronage. They will also assist with the development of the community routes, liaison with the Ministry of Education, and the future development of the public transport services. The position will sit within NCC staffing and TDC will contribute half of the costs.

Drivers Living Wage

4.13 From 1 January 2022, all Nbus drivers on scheduled routes receive the living wage. A contract variation has been completed to cover costs this year which are budgeted for in LTP, but a request for additional funding through the Annual Plan has been made due to early cost calculations on which the LTP figure was based being insufficient.

Pets on Buses

4.14 In December the trial for pets on buses was launched. The operator reports there has been no incidents recorded of pets causing issues on the buses, with everyone that does carry pets being compliant and giving no cause for concern. Uptake is relatively low with on average one or two pets on the buses a week.

Fares Policy

4.15 Council is required to develop a Fares Policy for inclusion in the RPTP document. At the time of writing the RPTP Waka Kotahi was in the process of developing revised national guidelines for fares policies. These guidelines are still being finalised, and when complete, officers will prepare a local fares policy and bring that back to this Committee.

4.16 The RPTP proposes a new fare structure based around a single urban fare zone to replace the current 2 zone system, with an urban flat fare of $2 proposed. This does not include the Stoke on demand service or services beyond Richmond.

Author: Margaret Parfitt, Manager - Transport and Solid Waste

Attachments

Nil

Regional Transport Committee

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