WRC Launches Hutt Bus Review

Residents of the Hutt Valley, Wainuiomata and Eastbourne can have their say on public bus services in a review beginning on Monday 13th of May says the Wellington Regional Council

"Everyone who is interested in the services in these areas can tell us what is working well and what we could be doing better," Wellington Regional Council Public Transport Chairperson Chris Turver says. "We will be contacting passengers, residents, community groups, the bus operators, the bus drivers... anyone who is interested in the service."

The feedback gathered will be used to prepare a set of proposals to improve the services for commuters and encourage more people to use the bus.

"We are very keen to hear from people who are not opposed to using a bus but for some reason do not use the services. Some reasons could be that the bus doesn't go where they would like, or doesn't pass their way, or the times are not convenient," Wellington Regional Council Public Transport Planner Alex Campbell says.

The network hasn't been reviewed in these areas since 1989. "It's a good time to ask people if the bus services are still working for them. Expectations have probably changed since 1989." Mr Campbell says.

Feedback needs to be submitted by Friday 14 June. This can be done by sending back a brochure survey form (distributed to households in the area and available in buses and libraries) or submitting ideas online at www.wrc.govt.nz/timetables

Specific proposals will then be defined and interested parties will get the chance to see and provide feedback on them. Any changes to the services will be introduced around April 2003.

This review is part of a bigger review process that continues on to focus on the Kapiti Coast and Porirua in 2003 and Wellington City in 2004. The Wellington Regional Council is responsible for the planning and funding of public transport services in the region.