Media Release
Transit New Zealand
Christchurch Regional Office
Media release
30 July 2008
Feedback from residents drives Transit's decision on bus priority measures
Residents are overwhelmingly in support of a Transit New Zealand (Transit) proposal designed to reduce delays for bus passengers at the Travis Road and Bassett Street intersection.
In February 2008, Transit wrote to all potentially affected property owners asking for feedback on plans to improve the reliability of bus services using the Travis Road and Bassett Street intersection by removing the right turn from Travis Road into Bassett Street.
Transit's Canterbury Regional Manager, Colin Knaggs says, "The feedback we received showed support for the removal of the right turn."
The proposed change to the Travis Road and Bassett Street intersection is one of three bus priority measures Transit is introducing that will assist buses to move around the city quickly and easily.
"Subject to funding we will introduce peak period bus lanes on Main South Road and Main North Road that will operate from 7am to 9pm and 3pm to 6pm and allow buses to bypass lines of congested traffic making it faster for people to get into and out of the city. It is important to encourage more use of public transport as Greater Christchurch has the highest rate of car ownership in New Zealand.
"It is also predicted that by 2021 Christchurch's population will increase to 440,000 people. Having more people using buses will help ensure that the increase in population does not adversely impact on the city's existing transport infrastructure.
"The increase in population not only has serious implications for transportation but also for the environment. One full bus is equal to 40 fewer cars on the road. However, to encourage people to use the bus, we have to provide a reliable service, and bus priority measures, such as peak period bus lanes will help achieve this," says Colin Knaggs.
The bus priority measures proposed by Transit form part of a city-wide proposal for bus priority measures being considered by Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury.
Christchurch City Council Mayor Bob Parker says he is delighted Transit, Environment Canterbury and the Council are working together on bus priority measures.
"Reliable, efficient public transport system is one of the keys to a sustainable city. It is important that we all make this a priority and put in place measures to ensure our buses arrive on time."
Environment Canterbury chief executive, Dr Bryan Jenkins says, "Environment Canterbury believes that all bus priority measures will assist in improving reliability for our Metro services, thus making it more attractive to existing and additional users, and reducing traffic congestion. Our Metro planning staff will also be able to schedule services to better utilise the Metro fleet and this will reduce our carbon footprint in providing these services."
Colin Knaggs says, "Construction of the bus lanes is currently expected to start next year. The majority of the work will be related to changing road markings and road signs. There will also be some limited kerb and channel work. During the design stage and prior to any construction taking place, Transit will ensure residents are kept informed."
To find out more about the proposed bus priority measures visit www.transit.govt.nz/planning/buspriority.jsp
For more information please contact:Colin Knaggs
Canterbury Regional Manager
Transit New Zealand
Christchurch
Tel 03 366 4455
Mob 0274 953 624
Visit us at www.transit.govt.nz