Regional Public Transport Plan draft out - commented wanted by 3 Sept

Regional Public Transport Plan draft out - commented wanted by 3 Sept

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GWRC have put out a draft public transport plan. Bikes on buses will be investigated (I've been using the bike racks on Vancouver buses - great so long as no more than 2 cyclists want to get on a bus!), the wording for bikes on trains is curious:

"Subject to consultation, provide for the carriage of cycles on trains, except between 7-9am and 4-6pm in the counter-peak direction"

which implies to me that bikes are allowed at peak times in the peak direction. I suspect they slipped up in the wording.

Will someone put together some comment...?

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Hello Adam

Thanks for the opportunity for Cycle Aware Wellington to comment on this.

Cycle Aware Wellington supports the concept of an integrated approach to transport planning, and believes that bicycling should be a recognised part of the transport mix. In particular, integration of bicycles with public transport leads to excellent point-to-point journey times, far better than using public transport on its own - or in many cases using private motor vehicles. We believe that an investment in bicycle/public transport integration, for example by a more flexible approach to bicycles on trains, and investment in bicycle racks on buses, will maximise the objective of "optimal use of resources". While policy 5.4 recognises the value of bicycle/public transport integration on health grounds, it does not mention the efficiency benefits in terms of point-to-point journey times, and the reliability of journey time that bicycles afford.

We suggest that Section 3.1.1, proposed policy 1.1 should include an objective for point to point journey times - for example that [x]% of residents should be able to reach their destination by public transport (including walking and cycling) at an overall door-to-door speed of [y] km/hr. Similarly, policy 2.2 should include recognition of the advantages of bicycle/public transport integration.

We are pleased to see a commitment to secure parking facilities at public transport interchanges. The current provision is inadequate and poorly administered.

The wording of policy 5.4 is curious, and I suspect there is a typo

provide for the carriage of cycles on trains, except between 7-9am and 4-6pm in the counter-peak direction"

this implies that bicycles will be carried in the peak direction at peak times.

CAW believes that:

  • bicycles (like pushchairs, large items of luggage, etc) should be allowed on trains unless crowding clearly makes this unsafe

  • any restriction on particular services should be minimised

  • bicycles should be carried free of charge

We support the introduction of bicycle racks on buses, and believe this should be viewed as an investment that will increase the use of sustainable transport, and increase point-to-point journey times.

We look forward to giving further input

--
Alastair Smith
Secretary, Cycle Aware Wellington