Improved bus services key for Wakatipu Basin

The delivery of improved bus services from July in the Wakatipu Basin is key to a number of initiatives by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, QLDC infrastructure strategy manager Denis Mander said.

“We have been working closely with both the Otago Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency to support the introduction of improved public transport,” Mr Mander said.

In 2005 QLDC indentified the need for improved public transport in its Future Link Strategy.

“The strategy was pivotal in quantifying the issues for the first time. The biggest issue being that Frankton Road would not be able to sustain a growth in traffic numbers into the future. We had to look at alternatives,” Mr Mander said.

The regional council, which rates the QLDC to provide environmental services, announced last week that from 14 July there would be new feeder bus services to Kelvin Heights, Arthur’s Point, Lake Hayes Estate, Quail Rise and Glenda Drive. There would also be increased service frequencies on the main route between Arrowtown and Queenstown.

The ORC had contracted local bus operator Connectabus for a 32-month trial period to provide the new subsidised services, which will complement the existing commercial operation.

“In anticipation of this service, QLDC expects to have installed 23 new bus stops and 19 new bus shelters by the end of June. Another six shelters are likely to be installed next year,” Mr Mander said.

Providing a wider service meant the Wakatipu community could make ‘the right choice’ around commuting and shopping.

“The QLDC will continue its travel demand management work which is all about giving people good transport options so they can reduce their reliance on the single occupant car -, whether it’s taking the bus or bike or through ride-sharing,’ Mr Mander said.

Parking was another aspect to the mix. “The strategy outlines a direction away from all-day, commuter parking in the centre of town and we have already implemented aspects of this and flagged further changes,” Mr Mander said.

The provision of improved and affordable choices for public transport was essential, he said.
Further detailed information on the new services including route maps and timetables will be published closer to the launch date by the ORC.