Learning Global Lessons For Wellington Public Transport Spine

An international review, including case studies of public transport systems in cities that have similar challenges and characteristics to Wellington, has been prepared as part of the Wellington Public Transport Spine Study. The study, being carried out by Greater Wellington in partnership with Wellington City Council and the NZ Transport Agency, is investigating the merits of long-term, high quality public transport options for the centre of Wellington. The study is part of the Ngauranga to Wellington Airport transport corridor plan. The focus of the study is the public transport network between Wellington Railway Station and Wellington Hospital and also looks at the benefits to the wider network.

Along with the international review of public transport systems, a scoping report has been produced by the study consultant AECOM. Both reports are available at www.gw.govt.nz/ptspinestudy

The reports will also be available early next week for public viewing at Greater Wellington Regional Council's Wellington office, 142 Wakefield Street.

Adam Lawrence, the spine study project coordinator, says the international review provides valuable information about the cost, operation and design of various public transport options and will be used to evaluate options for Wellington.“It includes case studies of 35 public transport systems around the world in places that share similar characteristics and challenges to Wellington. Each case study has one or more of three key characteristics: a bus-based system with capacity problems, relatively constrained narrow transport routes and a suburban rail line at one end of the CBD which requires people to make additional journeys. Seeing how these challenges have been met elsewhere is very useful for our spine study.” The review looked at different types of systems including personal rapid transit (e.g. the pods at Heathrow Airport), bus (both on-street and separated from other traffic) and light rail. The review identifies the key factors for a successful public transport spine as: an achievable, realistic and long-term strategy; effective inter-government cooperation and affordability. The most important design principles are for vehicles travelling along the spine to have sufficient peak hour capacity and the system needs to be accessible to as many people as possible. “We’ll certainly be keeping these findings in mind throughout the rest of the study, particularly when it comes to modelling and evaluating the options.”

The scoping report sets out how the spine study will be carried out, what it will include and the work programme. It includes a wide range of public transport options based on various modes and routes between Wellington Station and the hospital.

Mr Lawrence says the spine study team is developing a ‘long list’ of options by assessing the options in the scoping report against specific criteria.

“This will enable us essentially to see what could fly. The long list of options will be further analysed and reduced to about eight. This medium list, along with an explanation of how the number of options was reduced, will be available next month.

The spine study is expected to be completed early next year. Then public feedback will be sought on up to four feasible options. The Regional Transport Committee will consider the feedback and recommend a preferred option which will be fully assessed and implemented.

ENDS

© Scoop Media