Consultation progress

Good start for southern consultation

Consultation is off to a good start. We’ve been out on the streets, at bus stops, train stations and in the malls raising awareness about the proposed New Network.

Open Days are starting this weekend, and we’re looking forward to meeting members of the public and answering questions about the New Network. As well as having staff on hand, we'll have displays and information available to help explain the New Network.

South Auckland youth were the first to give feedback at a special pre-launch youth workshop on June 18th (pictured). Representatives from local high schools, tertiary institutions and Auckland Council’s Youth Council shared their enthusiasm, support, concerns and ideas for improving the New Network.

Most attendees supported the principle of the New Network, and when given the chance to suggest improvements they largely focused on better connections between main centres (Botany, Manukau, Sylvia Park), and future proofing public transport for population growth in the south and east of the city.

Closing date for submissions is 4pm 2 August

With three weeks left, now’s the chance to have your say. Visit our website to participate in the 3-step feedback process: 1) watch the video; 2) learn about the changes; 3) Have your say.

Open Days start this weekend

We’ll be hitting the streets of Papakura this Saturday for our first New Network Open Day, being held at Papakura Crossroads Church (25 Broadway).

Visit our website to find out when we’ll be holding open days over the next two weeks at Manurewa, Mangere, Papatoetoe, Manukau, Otara, Otahuhu, and Onehunga.

What’s in store at an Open Day?

There’ll be Auckland Transport staff available to talk you through the proposals and answer any questions you have. There will be displays and information you can take away, and you can also pick up a consultation brochure, and submit your feedback in writing on the day.

New Network for the South

Q&A with Anthony Cross, Auckland Transport's Public Transport Network Manager

Q: How is the submission process going?

A: We’re tracking well with more than 500 submissions already received. Overall feedback has been favourable of the change. There are of course some routes and proposals that have captured people’s interest, which is fine and what we have been expecting.

We’re aiming to create a network that is both useful and convenient for more people in South Auckland. We hope to improve on it with the public’s input.

Q: Do you have any advice for people sending in submissions?

A: Yes, please be as detailed as possible to ensure we can identify your desired changes. For example, changing the XX route to go down XX road is more helpful than saying don’t like the new route. Or the XX connection point is not a suitable location because of X and Y.

If you have questions or disagree with something, attending an Open Day would be helpful. Staff will be on hand to speak with you and go over the proposals to help inform your submission.

Please tell us what you like as well as what you don't like. And of course don’t leave it too late to send it in.

Q: The southern consultation closes in August 2013 but won’t be implemented until early 2015. Why does implementation take so long?

A: We understand it can be viewed as a lengthy process, but there are many elements involved when making changes of this scale. After consultation is the analysis of submissions. Are there routes and areas that need changing? This kind of fine tuning is needed before we can confirm the final southern network.

Because we are changing existing services, all new services will be contracted through a competitive tendering process. The successful operator will then require time to set up their operation (buses, drivers) to deliver these services.

Also, there need to be some infrastructure changes. For example, we need to build interchanges at Otahuhu and Manukau and to improve bus stops at many locations.

Q: What are the main changes proposed in the New Network for South Auckland?

A: For the full details on how South Auckland’s public transport network will change under the New Network, I suggest people look through all the information available on our website, but one example is the introduction of a new Frequent Network. This Frequent Network will have trains and buses timetabled at least every 15 minutes, from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. It will be supported by a network of Connector routes timetabled at least every 30 minutes, along with Local and Peak services, to ensure South Aucklanders continue to have good access to public transport.

Q: What are the benefits of the New Network?

A: The most significant benefits are that the New Network is easy to understand, and operates frequently over a larger part of the day, all week including weekends. The frequency and increased service hours mean people can consider using public transport for a greater range of purposes, such as shopping and leisure activities, not just their regular work-home commuter trips.

We've also made improvements to travel between key locations within South Auckland, for example the route that connects Mangere to the airport.

Looking at the New Network map, it’s noticeable how much we have simplified the network – and a simple network gives people more confidence to navigate it. Right now people might only stick to the journeys they’re familiar with; we hope the New Network will offer Aucklanders flexibility and spontaneity in getting around Auckland for work or play.

Go to the New Network project page on the Auckland Transport website

How do I provide feedback?

We welcome your feedback on the proposed changes by 4pm Friday 2 August. You can provide your feedback by:

• Completing the feedback form online.

• Filling out the freepost feedback form in a consultation brochure, available on our website, at open days or from libraries, service centres and local board offices in South Auckland.

• Attending an open day.

If you are visually impaired or have difficulty completing forms due to a disability, you can call us at 09 366 6400 and our call centre staff can complete the form on your behalf.

Go to the New Network project page on the Auckland Transport website

ENDS

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