Agenda of Regional Transport Committee - Friday, 3 December 2021

Follow ups from Previous Meetings

Attachment 1

Follow-ups from Previous Meetings of the Regional Transport Committee

From 17 September 2021 meeting

	Agenda Item	Follow-up required	Responsible	Status Comment
1	Follow-ups from previous meetings	MoE school bus routes - Letter to be sent from RTC Chair to local Ministry of Education seeking ongoing involvement in rural school bus route policy matters.	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Update provided in Transport Manager’s Update item on 3 December agenda.
2	Roadsafe Annual Plan	Evaluation of Roadsafe Expo October 2021 report to be circulated to Committee members when available	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Included in Roadsafe Update item on 3 December agenda.
3	RoadSafe Annual Plan	Cycle safety in road user education – check is included in all HB RTC funded driver licensing /education programmes	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Stated in Annual Plan and an example included in Roadsafe update agenda item.
4	RoadSafe Annual Plan	Waka Kotahi to provide details of the Road to Zero programme as the pathway to the Vision Zero Strategy	Linda Stewart, Waka Kotahi	Information emailed to RTC members on 25 November 2021 (ref 1 following).
5	RoadSafe Annual Plan	Consultation withn Ngati Kahungunu to be undertaken prior to Driver Licensing service delivery contracts being finalised	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Update provided in Transport Manager’s Update item on 3 December agenda.
6	September 2021 Public Transport Update	Discuss Regional Sports Park participation in On Demand Public Transport trial with the RSP Board	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Meeting scheduled on 8 December 2021 with Jock Mackintosh.
7	Transport Manager’s September 2021 Report	Statutory Funding Structures and arrangements for Road and Rail to be reported to the Committee	K Brunton/ K Nimon	Will be on 11 March 2022 RTC agenda item
8	NZTA Central Region - Relationship Directors September 2021 Report	Send letter of support from HB Leaders Forum to Waka Kotahi in support of SH38 sealing project	S Hazelhurst /C Little	Letter sent November, with drafting from Mayor Little and Cr Williams.
9	NZTA Central Region - Relationship Directors September 2021 Report	Provide rationale for HB Expressway multi-modal transport proposal not being approved	Linda Stewart, Waka Kotahi	Information included in the Waka Kotahi update at 3 December meeting.

Reference 1

Road to Zero and Vision Zero Strategy

Email sent 25 November 2021 to Regional Transport Committee members included the following information.

Video link here for explanation of the difference between Vision Zero and Road to Zero.

Link to Waka Kotahi website and further details/resources on Road to Zero and specific information aimed at different audiences (Road management, Transport Planners, communities etc.)

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

03 December 2021

Subject: Transport Manager’s December 2021 Report

Reason for Report

1. This regular report provides the Committee with a snapshot of relevant transport matters, provides updates from the Transport Advisory Group (TAG) on issues raised at their regular meetings and outlines what is coming up within the Transport sector.

Executive Summary

2. This report provides a summary of national and local transport issues.

3. Separate reports to this meeting cover the feedback from the RoadSafe expo, an amendment to the RoadSafe annual programme, and the Public Transport service delivery.

Discussion

Network/Service Review & Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP)

4. HBRC has engaged with both Stantec and MRCagney to provide HBRC with a costed scope of work before the end of the calendar year. This is for the Network/Service Review, with the aim of obtaining further support for the development of the RPTP. Both Stantec and MRCagney have done significant work in this space and MRCagney, specifically, will now only accept climate positive projects.

5. The RPTP should have been completed within six months of the adoption of the RLTP however the delay, due to Covid-19 and staffing issues, has been raised with Waka Kotahi. The RPTP is anticipated to be completed by the end of this financial year.

Regional Cycling Governance Group (RCGG)

6. The group met on 23 November. This group was established to govern the Hawke’s Bay Trails under the Great Ride scheme. It has become clear that the group is now more focused on the overall regional cycle network, however there is no connection to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) other than individual members being able to take their thoughts to the RCGG. Active Transport is now a key mode focus as part of the overall Transport picture, and as such, this group should not sit in isolation, separate to public transport, total mobility, freight, engineering, and road safety. Staff therefore plan to prepare a discussion paper on the future of the Group to the Regional Transport Committee’s 11 March 2022 meeting for consideration.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Cycle Plan (RCP)

7. The plan was presented in the Regional Cycling Governance Group (RCGG) meeting as a final draft, ready for public consultation if necessary. Previously, this document’s focus has been on health, lifestyle, and tourism. As active transport is a key part of public transport and the mode shift and mode choice conversation, it is worth addressing this document in conjunction with the RPTP engagement process and presented to the RTC together.

On Demand Public Transport (ODPT)

8. This project is currently on track and on budget. However, there are risks involved in the delivery dates, as it is reliant on external parties, such as the procurement and fit out of fleet, and procurement of technical equipment. Both are fundamental to the delivery of the service, and due to international shipping issues, we are expecting lengthened delivery times. We have mitigated the risk of delay by procuring a variety of fleet types and are looking to repurpose some of the technical equipment we currently own. If further units are required, we have support available from regions who have units in stock. Further details of the ODPT trial have been outlined in the Public Transport update.

Ridewise

9. Work has begun on the migration of our Total Mobility service to the Ridewise system, after significant delay to the project. Further details will be outlined in the Public Transport update.

RoadSafe

10. The work programme is being delivered with little disruption despite the impact of Covid, with all aspects of the work plan being delivered apart from the fatigue stop work with NZ Police. This is due to internal policy on interaction with the public in certain Alert Levels, and HBRC respects NZ Police’s position. We are still operating the RoadSafe programme with 1.2 FTE, as opposed to 1.75, which is beginning to place pressure on the delivery capacity and reduces our ability to be reactive to community opportunities.

11. The s17a review is underway, with many stakeholders having already been interviewed by Morrison Low.

Driver Licensing Programme

12. We are 4-5 months behind where we were last year with the funding application for this programme. This is due to the lack of reporting we received last year, and our concern for the KPI of a 90% pass rate being a disincentive for the Driver Licensing Programmes (DLPs) to reach our most at risk communities, who are the least likely to pass.

13. We are working with the DLPs to produce a robust reporting framework that encourages the collection of anecdotal evidence, as well as an understanding of what more is required to help the individual pass, and what might have influenced their experience. We are also requiring a more detailed application to outline what the DLPs work programme does to support Vision Zero and Road to Zero.

14. We have engaged with Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, to ensure we are delivering the best possible outcomes for those most impacted by not having a license. They encouraged us to analyse the national, regional, and local data to ascertain who would most benefit from participation in the programme. This has highlighted that we need to have more direction on who benefits from any programme that receives funding. They also highlighted the need for the customers voice to inform the programme design and continuous improvement in the work delivered. We are now considering how our funded driver licensing programmes will measure customer experience to gauge quality and inform those improvements.

15. We are looking at methods and opportunities for funding of businesses that mentor and license drivers to ensure that the funding removes the cost barrier. Providers in Central Hawke’s Bay are doing well in this area already, but not the case with our provider in Napier/Hastings.

Speed Management Framework

16. A Cabinet paper, – “Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2021” – is currently being drafted and planning work at a Regional level will likely resume once that is finalised, likely March 2022.

Bus Decarbonisation

17. Despite there being a national approach to the decarbonisation of the bus fleet, the TSIG felt that there was previously a lack of urgency from the Minister and Ministry, so there was been funding allocated by Regional CEOs ($80,000) for the TSIG to undertake a bus decarbonisation study. However, because of the recent release of the Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), the Ministry of Transport is now undertaking their own study. To avoid doubling up on work, the TSIG has proposed to the RCEOs that we repurpose the funding to create a guidance portal on Zero Emission Buses (ZEB). This has been accepted by the RCEOs and a working group is going to be re-established before the end of the calendar year.

Emissions Reduction Plan

18. MfE has now released NZ’s first Emissions Reduction Plan as required under the Climate Change Response Act 2002. There has been consultation from MfE via webinars, and the Transport Special Interest Group (TSIG) has begun work on a submission on the document, and it was decided that they would only comment on the Transport section of the plan. HBRC has contributed to this, again, commenting only on Transport. A key concern is around the lack of detail on the future funding of Transport programmes, given the ambitious targets proposed. At a high level, there is no dispute of the targets, but the TSIG does feel that there is a lack of consideration for the regions, and that the “Avoid, Shift, Improve” (ASI) model should become the centerpiece to the PT aspect of the ERP.

19. The RLTP contains vision and objectives aimed at reducing transport emissions through increased use of public and active transport, increased use of rail for freight and integrated land use planning that reduces reliance on private vehicles. The newly developed ERP presents an opportunity to get strong national alignment and allow “the changing of hearts and minds” to be influenced at a Central Government level. Our focus must now be on alignment and integration of district and regional planning to ensure targets are met was a region.

20. Waka Kotahi is currently reviewing the Investment Decision Making Framework (IDMF) to better consider climate change.

Travel Demand Management (TDM)

21. The TSIG has established a TDM working group, which HBRC has representation. This is newly established, however work is already underway to find examples of best practice internationally and success stories in the public engagement space. As with the submission on the ERP, the focus of this group is ASI. The TDM group is also very aware of the different issues presented within the regions, such as a lack of congestion and motivation to seek a shift in modes, given that for many of the Territorial Authorities, parking is a priority. Integrated spatial planning plays a role in this, as does education and engagement.

22. The current student movement for free fares for anyone under 25, is collectively believed to not support Mode Shift. The movement was about social good rather than transport outcomes, and most regions would see around a 30% reduction in their fare revenue. Ultimately, if under-25s are able to travel for free, it’s believed that those that might have traditionally walked or cycled will take public transport for shorter trips instead of getting those that might have otherwise travelled by car to travel by bus. Some regions are opting to review their fare policies rather than react to the free fares movement as a result of this.

Ministry of Education School Bus Network

23. A letter has been drafted to the Regional Transport Advisor at the Ministry of Education (MoE) requesting involvement in future changes that impact the region, to ensure that we can work together to support our communities, from not only an inclusion outcome, but also an environmental sustainability outcome. With every School Bus route cut, or curtailed, more parents will drive their children to school.

Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) Investment & Delivery Issues

24. At the Technical Advisory Group meeting held on 16 December 2021, Wairoa, CHBDC, NCC and Hastings District Council all indicated that their work programmes were on track.

Decision Making Process

25. Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

Recommendations

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and considers the “HBRC Transport Manager’s December 2021 Report”.

Authored by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Draft TSIG Submission on Te hau mārohi ki anamata: Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future discussion document

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

03 December 2021

Subject: Bay View – Whirinaki Cycleway

Reason for Report

1. This item updates the Committee on the Bay View / Whirinaki cycleway project, including:

1.1. progress to date

1.2. options for either a "great ride" (off-road coast) or "iWay" (on-road) route.

1.3. risks associated with the current delivery of the Project and options for future progress and delivery.

Executive Summary

2. In the Hawke's Bay Trails Business Case to MBIE in 2018, five projects were agreed. This Project proposed a northern extension of the existing Water Ride from the Bay View section of the trail to Whirinaki.

3. It is proposed to construct an additional 8km approximately of shared walking/cycling trail along the coast from Ferguson Street South, Bay View to Whirinaki Road in Whirinaki.

4. The goal for Hawke's Bay Trails is to create an iconic 'great ride' extension, an off-road route that connects Hawke's Bay, from Whirinaki in the north all the way to Clifton in the south– over 35kms of coastal trail around Hawke Bay.

5. With nearly 5km of the proposed route through coastal beach reserve, it takes in views across Hawke's Bay, including Cape Kidnappers and Napier Hill. This route would make an attractive addition to Hawke's Bay Trails as a tourism asset.

6. This route would be of the standard required of a 'Great Ride' experience. We would be able to leverage MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) funding through the Ministry of Tourism. It is anticipated the extension would be well used by a broad range of recreational, local community, commuter cyclists, walkers, including access to the Esk Mountain Bike Park and commuter cycling to Pan Pac mill.

7. The Project is co-funded with MBIE, NCC, NZTA, HBRC and HDC all contributing funds

Background /Discussion

8. Great Rides Definition: Hawke's Bay Trails are one of 22x Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga or New Zealand Cycle Trails (NZCT). They have 'Great Ride' status, approved for the 185km network, made up of the: Water, Wineries and Landscapes Ride. As a NZCT member we (all HB Councils and NZTA) agree to the rules and standards in force, to provide a world class visitor experience and tourism asset. Our network is a regional collaboration from multiple landowners/asset owners with the key asset owners being: HBRC, NCC, HDC and Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

9. Over the last decade, there's been high local public interest in the extension with repeated requests and submissions from the local Whirinaki/Bay View community to local councils to provide a better connection over the Esk River. The proposed cycleway has dual purposes of also connecting Pan Pac, a major local employer with over 500 employees in the Napier area, creating a safe off-road path for commuters from the south. While also providing a connection for Whirinaki residents, the State Highway bridges over the Esk River/railway are currently not fit for safe cycling or walking. The trail would provide a missing link for the local Pan Pac mountain bike park.

10. Initial discussions have been held with all the landowners affected by land requirements for the Coastal Route. The reactions to the land acquisition have been mixed. There is some reticence to sell the required strip of land from two residents. They perceive a loss of privacy with a public cycleway adjoining their properties. This is to be expected when these properties haven't had the public, in large numbers, walking or cycling past their properties.

11. Napier City Council supports the Project and has provided funding to progress the project. Any land negotiation and associated activities needs to be undertaken by NCC. They have indicated that due to other priorities there is insufficient capacity to undertake this work and would prefer to delay it until next year. NCC are also concerned that the Project may have budget pressure as a result of complex land acquisition. This risk has been managed by the project team through a contingency was applied into the Project budget.

Project Risks

12. The Project is split into four stages (Figure 1); all stages will need to achieve the "great ride" status objectives to receive MBIE funding contribution.

13. Stage One is the first step from the existing Water Ride at Ferguson Road South to the northern end of Le Quesne Road in Whirinaki. It is required to be constructed in front of numerous properties for approx. 2km along the beach edge. (from Ferguson Road reserve to Le Quesne Reserve). This section will be NCC-owned and operated.

13.1. RISK: A strip of land is required from two properties adjoining the sea. If NCC cannot reach an agreement to purchase the land, the project would progress with alternative options (proposed in attachment 1), an on-road option. The risk of a new alignment is that MBIE funding would be lost.

14. Stage Two is the next stage that will take the trail from the end of Le Quesne Road at the Esk River mouth, along the true right bank of the Esk River up to SH2. It will require an easement or purchase of land. This section of the trial will be owned and operated by HBRC.

14.1. RISK. If land purchase or easement cannot be agreed upon, the project team prosed an alternative option- marked in the attached map.

15. Stage three is a wooden bridge crossing the Esk River and a separate off road track within the road reserve from the new bridge to Northshore Road. NZTA will support and finance this stage. The bridge would become an HBRC asset, and the track within the road corridor an asset of the NZTA.

15.1. RISK: NZTA will only progress with the bridge if the connectivity and route are agreed upon and land matters are resolved.

16. Stage Four from North Shore Road through to Whirinaki Road, across from the Pan Pac gates, connects the northern section of the Whirinaki community and carpark/toilet block. There are coastal erosion issues that need to be resolved to facilitate the off-road trail between North Shore Road and Whirinaki Road.

16.1. RISK: Same challenges with land requisition apply for this stretch, but an alternative option is possible.

Options Assessment

17. The route has the fixed start point at the end of Ferguson Road South, being the southern extent of the Water Ride. The route will ultimately reach the beachfront community of Whirinaki.

18. Options assessed for all stages carry a risk that if the proposed route along the coast can't be achieved, the funding for the Bay View Whirinaki link from MBIE will be lost as the route no longer meets the requirements of a Great Ride. However, additional funding could be committed by all parties to cover the $504,000 contribution.

19. Stage one: The options for stage One route selection process:

19.1. Coastal Route – most iconic, most at risk to coastal erosion, most costly with public works act required. More long term maintenance.

19.2. State Highway Two/Five Route as per attached document, using a combination of existing roading infrastructure from Fergusson Rd, beside SH2

20. Stage two 3 options (attachment 1) have been considered:

20.1. Option 1- along the Esk River- preferred option for the great ride.

20.2. Option 2- Along the railway corridor

20.3. Option 3- Along the SH as a clip-on.

21. Stage three and Stage four depending on the outcomes of Stages one and two.

Strategic Fit

22. The strategies and plans used to inform this report are:

22.1. Hawke's Bay Trails Great Ride Business Case 2018-2023

22.2. Hawke's Bay Trail CBA Summary – Martin Jenkins report

22.3. Hawke's Bay Regional Cycle Plan 2015

22.4. Government Policy Statement on land transport (GPS) 2018.

23. The trails' purpose is primarily recreation and supports both the Recreation and Economic outcomes and values of the Regional Transport Strategic Plan.

Significance and Engagement Policy Assessment

24. Under the Regional Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, our proposed level of engagement is under category 1 Inform. One way of communication – to provide the public with balanced, objective information to assist them in understanding problems, alternatives, opportunities.

Financial and Resource Implications

25. Sub-total Estimated Budget: $1,159,400 2020-21 (including contingency) HBRC contribution $200,000. The cost estimate below includes land acquisition.

Total cost		$1,159,400	NCC and HBRC, HDD- LTP approved (including land purchase)
Funding:	MBIE	$504,000.00
	NCC	$250,000.00 (annual plan -approved)
	HDC	$100,000.00 (annual plan- approved)
	HBRC	$200,000.00 (approved)
	TOTAL	$1,054,000.00
	Contingency	10% of total cost
	TOTAL	$105,400 (contingency to be added into the project for funding)

Stage 3-4	NZTA	$2,000,000( NZTA – approved)

Without Contribution of MBIE - Proposed

Total cost:			NCC and HBRC to project manage/construct	Additional Funding

	NCC	$250,000.00 (annual plan -approved)		$250,000
	HDC	$100,000.00 (annual plan- approved)		$120,000
	HBRC	$200,000.00		$230,000
	TOTAL	Including contingency		$1,150,000.00

26. If any of the stages cannot achieve Great Ride objectives – the funding from MBIE will be withdrawn and all parties will require additional funding. Indication of additional funding is shown in table 2 above.

27. The NZTA bridge will be fully funded by NZTA. The bridge will be vested with HBRC who will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance.

Consultation

28. There has been ongoing consultation with HBRC, NCC, HDC, and NZTA on progress and collaboration since the start of the Project in 2019.

29. A public meeting was held in Bay View in June 2019 to present the plan and obtain feedback. Council and other staff were in attendance from HBRC, NCC, HDC, and NZTA. Overall there was a lot of positive support from the public; the only concerns were if it affected their property directly.

30. Meetings have been held with Project staff and property owners along the alignment of Stage 1.

Next steps

31. Pause the project to allow for NCC to progress the essential land matters.

32. If the stage 1 route is on road and the Bay View-Whirinaki extension cannot achieve great ride status, seek additional funding from NCC, HDC, HBRC and NZTA.

33. Progress land matters for stages 3 and 4 consultation.

34. Report back to the Regional Transport Committee in 6 months’ time.

Decision Making Process

35. Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

Recommendations

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the “Bay View – Whirinaki Cycleway” staff report.

Authored by:

Vicki Butterworth

Cycle Network Coordinator

Martina Groves

Manager Regional Assets

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Options for alternative cyclway- Bay View Whirinaki

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

03 December 2021

Subject: Roadsafe Update and 2021 Expo Feedback

Reason for Report

1. This regular report provides the Committee with an update on road safety statistics in the region and road safety activities undertaken by Road Safe Hawke’s Bay.

Background/Discussion

2. There are three significant documents that provide the direction for the road safety activities, including:

2.1. The Government Policy Statement for Land Transport (GPS)

2.2. “Road to Zero “– the NZ road safety strategy 2020

2.3. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Land Transport Plan.

3. The current Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) addresses road safety and includes a number of strategic objectives and policies directed at reducing deaths and serious injuries. The RLTP also includes specific targets to reduce deaths and serious injuries aligning with the national Road to Zero strategy.

4. The Road Safe Hawke’s Bay programme addresses road user choices and activities focus on the high-risk road safety for the region and includes the following projects over the next three months:

4.1. Ongoing delivery of Youth/Rangitahi project presentations, in partnership with NZ Police and employment providers.

4.2. Ti Aho and Wairoa College students Community Road Safety Activity on December 8^th.

4.3. Christmas focused check points across the region in partnership with NZ Police. This is in response to the increase in festive season socialising that can result in an increase in driving under the influence.

4.4. Holiday Season Travel media advertising booked region wide for December/January

4.5. Caught Being Good reward programme focussed on ‘Driver Distraction’, running in January.

4.6. Return to work ‘Fatigue’ checkpoints in partnership with NZ Police, planned for the end of January.

4.7. Operation Crest will run during February focussing region wide on return to school travel, car seats, adult seatbelts, distraction, and speed.

4.8. Supporting the ACC initiative ‘Shiny Side Up’ Motorcycle event promoting the Ride Forever motorcycle training programme.

4.9. Students Against Drink Driving (SADD) workshop/conference is planned for mid-February but yet to be confirmed.

Hawke’s Bay Statistics

5. Road death and serious injury (DSI) statistics are reported by the NZTA with data to the end of September, shown below.

6. The number of road deaths so far this year is 14, with 0 recorded for Hawke’s Bay in Q1 for 2021-22.

7. The total number of DSI for Q1 is 24, with all 24 being serious injuries.

8. This equates to 13.2 DSI per 100,000 population.

DSIs by quarter per 100,000 population in Hawkes Bay Region
Quarter	Date Covered	Population in Hawke’s Bay	Deaths	Serious injuries	Total number of DSIs	DSIs per 100,000 population
Q1	01/7/2021 – 30/09/2021	181,500	0	24	24	13.223
Q4	01/04/2021 – 30/06/2021	181,500	3	19	22	12.121
Q3	01/01/2021 – 31/03/2021	181,500	3	41	44	24.242
Q2	01/10/2020 -31/12/2020	179,700	8	32	40	22.259
Full year	01/10/2020 - 30/09/2021	181,500	14	116	130	71.625

Amendment to Annual Plan: Cycling

9. Cycling safety education is not a function that is currently delivered by RoadSafe HB however we fund and support delivery of such education programmes, across the region, delivered by providers and Police Education Officers.

10. We deliver public awareness campaigns for Be Safe Be Seen, which is an intervention around the change of season and light conditions, this is directed towards cyclists specifically.

11. There are cycling components to many of the programmes that RoadSafe HB deliver, as part of learning to be a responsible road user.

12. All education collateral for schools has a cycle safety component.

13. Waka Kotahi and ACC have developed an online tool called BikeReady, which is a national tool available for schools, adults, parents, and instructors. Sport Hawke’s Bay are the provider for this training, and we work in partnership with them.

Feedback from October 2021 Roadsafe Expo

14. Feedback on the expo was not received from all schools and is something that the committee are looking to improve on with digital feedback methods next year.

15. The stakeholders and committee members all provided positive feedback.

Strategic Fit

16. This event helps us reach a targeted demographic that is most at risk, as a captive and engaged audience.

Background

17. The expo has been run annually since 2010, with the exception of 2020.

18. Hawke’s Bay was the first region to run a Road Safety expo, and subsequent expos in other regions have been developed from the Hawke’s Bay model.

19. Over 2000 Hawke’s Bay students attended the expo across the week.

20. The Hawke’s Bay Youth Road Safety Expo committee consists of Simon Paine (NZ Police), Andy Clinton (NZ Police), Brendon Hutchinson (St John), Jason Broome (FENZ), Vicki Welsby (Brain Injury HB), and Liz Schlierike (RoadSafe HB).

21. Stalls, activities, and displays include: DHB (Trauma), DHB (Drug and Alcohol), St John (First Aid), FENZ, ACC, Dunstalls Funeral Homes, Brain Injury HB, Helen Small (Personal Story), Police (Booze Bus), Police (Driver Licensing), Police (Crash), Police (Speed), RoadSafe HB (UCSR and ANCAP vehicle safety), RoadSafe HB (SOBAD), RoadSafe HB (Party Register), RoadSafe HB (Distracted Driving), RoadSafe HB (Driver Impairment).

Discussion

22. The 2021 expo was not impacted by Covid.

23. Every expo, Tori Morrison has delivered the story of her son’s crash that had a fatal outcome for two of his friends. The 2021 expo was the last time she would present this story. The 2022 expo will feature the story of Seth Adams, who’s crash has left him with a permanent brain injury, at a critical time in his life.

24. The committee met following the expo and unanimously agreed that the 2021 expo was possibly one of the best events to date. It was agreed that the event ran smoothly and met all agencies desired outcomes and expectations.

25. Volunteer stakeholders have given positive feedback, reporting no issues, and all have recommitted to being involved again next year.

26. Feedback from teachers highlight that they feel this expo is most appropriate for year 11 students, those who are at the age of getting their learner’s license.

27. Teachers have also expressed their gratitude for the expo, as there is currently no room in the curriculum for Road Safety messaging.

28. Feedback from students has indicated that they’d like more time to participate in activities at the expo and would like more hands-on activities. This feedback is supported by the teachers, who would like to see students be able to spend more time in the exhibition hall.

29. Higgins were scheduled to participate this year, displaying on road engineering and traffic management, but pulled out one week prior to the expo due to a delay in display materials. They have committed to being involved in 2022.

Next Steps for the Expo

30. Next year’s dates have been set for 9-13 May 2022.

31. The low feedback response from Schools has led Road Safe HB to consider digital feedback options for next year. Given the increase in use of QR codes due to the Covid tracing programme, we will be able to leverage off that to receive on the spot feedback from students as they exit the expo. It is important that we keep the feedback survey short and simple to ensure maximum responses.

32. Based on the feedback received, we feel that the expo can continue with its existing structure and delivery, including any new content as a result of policy development between now and the date of the next expo.

33. Extra interactive activities will be developed in response to feedback.

34. The presentation for Seth Adam’s story will be developed by Vicki Welsby, who worked with Seth through Brain Injury HB.

35. Hukarere and St Joseph’s Maori Girls Colleges unfortunately did not attend the expo this year. Iwi liaison Police officers are intending to approach Hukarere and St Joseph’s Maori Girls Colleges to understand why and investigate options for ensuring their attendance in 2022.

Decision Making Process

25 Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and considers the “Roadsafe Update and 2021 Expo Feedback” staff report.

Authored by:

Liz Schlierike

Roadsafe Coordinator

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

03 December 2021

Subject: December 2021 Public Transport Update

Reason for Report

1. This item provides the Committee with an update on Council’s public transport operations.

Background

2. The responsibility for contracting public transport services is assigned to regional councils under the Land Transport Management Act 2003. Under Section 35, the council must consider the needs of the “transport disadvantaged” when preparing its Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP), which sets out the services that the council will provide.

3. “Transport disadvantaged” means people who the regional council has reasonable grounds to believe are the least able to travel to basic community activities and services (for example work, education, healthcare, welfare, and shopping). As part of the responsibility to the transport disadvantaged, councils also provide Total Mobility services where suitable transport operators exist to deliver the service.

On-demand Public Transport Trial (also commonly known as DRT – Demand Responsive Transport)

4. With LTP and Waka Kotahi funding now approved, a project management team, including a representative of Hastings District Council has been established and is working towards a trial start date of mid-2022.

5. An engagement plan is currently being developed. This will outline how we will undertake consultation with users of the existing Routes 16A, 16B and 17, as these are the routes that will be replaced by the on-demand service, as well as ensuring we are engaging with the wider community to understand their passenger transport needs, barriers and what incentives we can use to entice them to use the on-demand service.

6. Details such as branding, vehicle specifications, fares and payment provisions, wait times, walking distances and the service area are currently being worked through by the service providers and the project team.

COVID-19

7. Face coverings on public transport are now mandatory for anyone over 12 years of age. Generally, compliance is good, however many high school students do not wear masks, and this has resulted in complaints from passengers. We have contacted some high schools and requested that they ensure students, and their families are aware of the rule. We have also requested (through Waka Kotahi) the Ministry of Education to communicate this message to all high schools and colleges.

8. All buses have COVID tracer app QR posters displayed at the doors and onboard in several places. Our on-line trip register is also available for passengers who don’t have smartphones.

9. We have been advised by Go Bus Transport Ltd that all goBay bus drivers are vaccinated.

Network Review

10. A network review is currently underway as part of the preparation for the Regional Public Transport Plan. We have gone to market and requested a costed Scope of Work from both Stantec and MRCagney. We have requested these be with us early December, to be able to cost and appoint an agency before the New Year.

Christmas/New Year Holiday Bus Services

11. Christmas/New Year Holiday bus services will operate as follows.

11.1 Christmas Day – Saturday 25 December – NO SERVICES

11.2 Boxing Day – Sunday 26 December – USUAL SUNDAY SERVICES

11.3 Christmas Day observed – Monday 27 December – SATURDAY SERVICES

11.4 Boxing Day observed – Tuesday 28 December – SATURDAY SERVICES

11.5 New Year’s Day – Saturday 1 January – USUAL SATURDAY SERVICES

11.6 New Year’s Holiday – Sunday 2 January – USUAL SUNDAY SERVICES

11.7 New Year’s Day observed – Monday 3 January – SATURDAY SERVICES

11.8 New Year’s Holiday observed – Tuesday 4 January – SATURDAY SERVICES.

Passenger Survey 2022

12 Work on the biennial passenger survey is underway. Covid levels permitting, this will be carried out in 2022 from Monday 7 to Sunday 20 March. The survey will be available on-line via a QR code and as a hard copy for those passengers who don’t have access to technology.

Public Transport Service Trips

13 Diagram 1 (attached) shows public transport trips made from July to October 2012-21.

14 It should be noted that there were no trip statistics for July and August 2020 as the crossover in ticketing systems saw the buses operating without ticketing equipment.

Public Transport Service Costs

15 Diagram 2 (attached) shows the year-to-date net cost (after fares and excluding GST) of operating the goBay bus service from July to October 2012-21.

16 Cost increases are largely due to inflationary pressure (as our bus contract is adjusted by an NZTA index reflecting fuel, labour, and infrastructure prices), lower fare revenue due to a new low flat fare schedule, the cost of paid breaks added to the driver hours as required by the Employment Relations Amendment Act and payment of the living wage to bus drivers.

Total Mobility Scheme

17 The Total Mobility Scheme provides subsidised taxi travel for Hawke’s Bay residents who are unable to use public transport due to a significant, permanent impairment. People assessed for and registered to the scheme receive taxi vouchers entitling them to a 50% fare discount (some restrictions apply). The scheme is administered by the regional council and funded by both the Council and Waka Kotahi.

Ridewise

18 HBRC is the only regional council with their Total Mobility programme still in a manual format, and not using Ridewise. As all other councils are looking to migrate to Ridewise2. HBRC have committed to moving to Ridewise and are intending to move to Ridewise1 in the beginning of 2022. In the past, Ridewise1 was highlighted as being problematic, however, Eyede Solutions Ltd (ESL) has recently archived eight years of data, which has increased the system response time. Additional to this, councils are beginning to migrate to Ridewise2, which is taking pressure off the system.

19 The reasons for making the decision to move to Ridewise1 are as follows:

19.1 If we choose to move to Ridewise2, we will be at the back of the queue, which will mean a further delay to the programme, seeing us onboarded closer to October next year

19.2 There is a considerable amount of additional internal work involved in migrating direct from a manual programme to Ridewise2, as no other council has done this,

19.3 We can obtain the resources of a consultant that helped implement Ridewise1 for all councils, enabling HBRC to move the process forward quickly,

19.4 There are issues with some of our Transport Operators, who are facing additional administrative costs with the manual system. Any further delay of the Ridewise system will see us either lose them as an operator or face additional cost, either to us, the customer, or to both.

Total Mobility Scheme Trips

20 Diagram 3 (attached) shows the number of Total Mobility trips made from July to October
2012-21.

Total Mobility Scheme Cost

21 Diagram 4 (attached) shows the cost of the Total Mobility Scheme (excluding GST) from July to October 2012-21.

Decision Making Process

22 Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the “December 2021 Public Transport Update” report.

Authored by:

Megan Welsby

Sustainable Transport Advisor

Approved by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Public Transport Statistics Diagrams

Topic	Raised by

Topic	Raised by

Follow-up required

MoE school bus routes - Letter to be sent from RTC Chair to local Ministry of Education seeking ongoing involvement in rural school bus route policy matters.

Evaluation of Roadsafe Expo October 2021 report to be circulated to Committee members when available

Cycle safety in road user education – check is included in all HB RTC funded driver licensing /education programmes

Waka Kotahi to provide details of the Road to Zero programme as the pathway to the Vision Zero Strategy

Consultation withn Ngati Kahungunu to be undertaken prior to Driver Licensing service delivery contracts being finalised

Discuss Regional Sports Park participation in On Demand Public Transport trial with the RSP Board

Statutory Funding Structures and arrangements for Road and Rail to be reported to the Committee

Send letter of support from HB Leaders Forum to Waka Kotahi in support of SH38 sealing project

Provide rationale for HB Expressway multi-modal transport proposal not being approved