MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday April 2, 2013

Opinions sought on transport option

Tararua residents are being encouraged to have their say on a possible transport solution at a public meeting to be held Wednesday 17 April from 7-8pm.

The meeting, coordinated by Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council and Public Health, will be held at the Woodville Recreation Trust building in Vogel Street and feature a talk by Environment Canterbury transport planner Tony Henderson.

Mr Henderson has extensive experience working alongside communities to set up community vehicle trusts in towns where traditional public transport services are not viable.

He believes the trusts could be a good option for Tararua towns but says they will require strong community support.

“Many rural communities and small towns are experiencing similar situations which include a lack of public transport and a decreasing number of private taxis,” Mr Henderson says.

“This kind of community-operated transport service could be an effective option for Woodville, Pahiatua or Dannevirke and has benefits beyond just transporting people from A to B.

“Similar services have enabled elderly people or the disabled for example to stay in their own homes and communities. They help the sustainability of local infrastructure such as government services and shops to keep small towns surviving and thriving.”

Horizons transport planner Wayne Wallace agrees, saying community vehicle trusts are “like taxi services run by local volunteers”.

“We’re encouraging as many people as possible to take an interest and come along to this meeting. This is a community-led initiative. It requires community involvement and we need to hear from the people of Tararua whether it’s something they’d like to pursue.”

A meeting will also be held for Shannon residents at Shannon Primary School, 7-8pm, Thursday 18 April.

Ends

© Scoop Media