Agenda of Regional Transport Committee

Meeting of the Regional Transport Committee

Date: 11 March 2022

Time: 10.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

Agenda

Item Title Page

1. Welcome/Notices/Apologies

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Extraordinary Regional Transport Committee Meeting held on 3 February 2022

4. Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings 3

5. Call for Minor Items not on the Agenda 25

Decision Items

6. National Freight Strategy verbal presentation by Napier Port

7. Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report 27

Information or Performance Monitoring

8. On Demand Public Transport update 65

9. March 2022 Public Transport Update 89

10. Roadsafe Update 97

11. Transport Manager’s March 2022 Report 101

12. Waka Kotahi Central Region - Regional Relationships Director's March 2022 Report 107

13. Verbal Updates by Advisory Representatives

14. Discussion of Minor Matters Not on the Agenda 133

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

11 March 2022

Subject: Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report

Reason for Report

1. This report seeks approval from the Regional Transport Committee to progress the proposed outcome resulting from the Service Delivery Review of HB Roadsafe functions subject to Section 17a of the Local Government Act 2002.

Officers’ Recommendations

2. Staff recommend that the committee approves the proposed delivery outcome that resulted from Morrison Low’s Service Delivery Review of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Road Safety function.

Executive Summary

3. This report introduces the Morrison Low report, attached, which covers the feedback, findings, evaluation, and recommendations of the delivery of Hawke’s Bay’s Road Safety programme.

Background /Discussion

4. At its 11 December 2020 meeting, the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) sought advice in relation to their oversight and governance of Hawke’s Bay’s Road Safety programme (RSP). The Committee also sought further advice about the effective delivery of their governance obligations for Road Safety.

5. In response to the request for oversight and governance of the Road Safety Programme, a workshop was held on 12 March 2021. The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss the options and preferred approach for the involvement of the Committee in the Road Safety Programme.

6. The outcome from that workshop was agreement that direction setting, oversight and accountability for the RoadSafe programme should sit with the RTC at the Governance level.

7. Following that decision, the RTC agreed to a service delivery review in accordance with the requirements of Section 17a of the Local Government Act 2002.

8. Morrison Low undertook the Section 17a review of the delivery of the Road Safety programme with all stakeholders and the findings and recommendations from that review are attached.

Options Assessment

9. Road Safety delivery options are discussed in the attached Morrison Low report.

Strategic Fit

10. The Roadsafe functions contribute to sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure. To achieve this strategic vision, it is essential that HBRC, the TLAs, Waka Kotahi, NZ Police and ACC have good working relationships to enable the successful achievement of this goal.

11. There are a range of possible delivery methods available to the Council to achieve the Roadsafe functions. The Service Delivery review outcomes will enable the RTC and councils to decide on the best option to achieve the objectives and targets in a desired timeframe, based on the framework.

Significance and Engagement Policy Assessment

12. The significance of this proposed review has been determined to be of medium significance; reflected in the proposed methodology and the intent to undertake wide engagement with all Roadsafe partners and key stakeholders.

Financial and Resource Implications

13. Financial and resource implications are outlined in the attached Morrison Low report.

Consultation

14. Consultation undertaken with stakeholders is outlined in the attached report.

Considerations of Tangata Whenua

15. There are no social, cultural, or economic effects on Tangata Whenua as a result of this review, but consultation was undertaken with key stakeholders, some of which have a primary focus on the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Tangata Whenua in regard to road safety.

Morrison Low

16. Morrison Low will not be joining this meeting, however they can be available online to discuss the report. This can be a members-only session if required.

17. Should the Committee wish to discuss matters with Morrison Low with the public excluded, the following resolution must be passed.

17.1. That the Regional Transport Committee excludes the public from this section of the meeting being Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report with the general subject of the item to be considered while the public is excluded; the reasons for passing the resolution and the specific grounds under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution being:

General Subject of the Item to be Considered	Reason for Passing This Resolution	Grounds Under Section 48(1) for the Passing of the Resolution
Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report	7(2)(f)(ii) The exclusion of the public from this discussion is necessary to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the protection of such members, officers, employees, and persons from improper pressure or harassment	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.
Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report	7(2)(a) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons.	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

Decision Making Process

18. Council and its committees are required to make every decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements in relation to this item and have concluded:

18.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset, nor is it inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

18.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

18.3. The decision is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy.

18.4. The persons affected by this decision are all persons with an interest in the region’s management and delivery of Road Safety.

18.5. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, the Committee can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.

Recommendations

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1. Receives and considers the “Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report” staff report.

2. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, and that the Committee can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community.

3. Approves the preferred service delivery model of a fully collaborative regional approach to road safety including:

3.1. Improved structure to drive an enhanced collaborative model across the region through the Councils, Waka Kotahi, NZ Police and their partners working together to deliver better road safety outcomes through engineering, education and enforcement

3.2. The road safety programme will be developed and monitored at a strategic regional level and then implemented locally at an operational level

3.3. A strengthened Regional Transport Committee (RTC) role will ensure effective governance and decision-making, giving clear direction and goals

3.4. A focused Road Safety Group will support a more effective programme across the region, coming together to identify priorities and set the annual programme and then to review the annual programme (midway through the year) against objectives and measures and adjust it to suit current / emerging needs

3.5. RoadSafe HB will provide a coordination and community engagement role in delivery of the programme with strategic support from the RTC and the councils.

If required to move into PE for discussion:

1. That the Regional Transport Committee excludes the public from this section of the meeting being Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report with the general subject of the item to be considered while the public is excluded; the reasons for passing the resolution and the specific grounds under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution being:

General Subject of the Item to be Considered	Reason for Passing This Resolution	Grounds Under Section 48(1) for the Passing of the Resolution
Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report	7(2)(f)(ii) The exclusion of the public from this discussion is necessary to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the protection of such members, officers, employees, and persons from improper pressure or harassment	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.
Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report	7(2)(a) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons.	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

2. That a representative of Morrison Low remains in attendance for the Public Excluded session as the author of the report and subject matter expert.

Authored by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Morrison Low Report on the Section 17a Review of Hawke’s Bay Road Safety Programme Service Delivery

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

11 March 2022

Subject: On Demand Public Transport update

Reason for Report

1. This report provides an overview of and update on, the on-demand public transport trial. This was a key decision in the LTP and is a significant activity of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Executive Summary

2. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is launching an on-demand public transport service called MyWay in Hastings in June 2022. This project was a key decision made in the 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan (LTP) and involves significant investment. The Regional Transport Committee (RTC) requires regular updates on the progress of the project to ensure delivery is on track and within the scope of the LTP decision.

Strategic Fit

4. The Region’s public transport system contributes to two of our Strategic priorities, being:

4.1. By 2025, regional air quality consistently meets World Health Organisation Guidelines

4.2. By 2025, HBRC is carbon zero and plays a leadership role in the region’s goal of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

5. Travel demand management and mode shift are the most important ways to lower vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT). This service will not only avoid dead running of a bus with no passengers on it, but it will also offer a more attractive and sustainable alternative to the second family car. By having an on-demand ride share mode of public transport, we aim to reduce the number of short trips people make in a car, as well as the number of large, aged diesel buses operating well below capacity.

Background

6. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council resolved to fund the pilot of on-demand public transport to a total of $6.8 million (100% targeted to Hastings and Napier urban ratepayers) over 10 years assuming the success of the pilot. The pilot proposed to roll out to Hastings at an extra cost of $361,000 in 2021 and $249,000 in 2022 replacing current routes 16A, 16B and 17. If successful it would be, introduced to Napier at an extra cost of $582,000 in 2023 and $447,000 in 2024 replacing current routes 13, 14 and 15.

7. The Regional Council is responsible for providing accessible and useful public transport to Hawke’s Bay residents. There are currently public bus services running both within and between Hastings and Napier, but patronage has been declining over several years in both cities. In the past five years the annual patronage has dropped from 690,000 to 530,000. Major changes are needed to revitalize public transport in Hawke’s Bay.  For many years, public transport has addressed inclusive access for all, and this is represented in our current network.

8. The National Position on Public Transport includes five outcomes: inclusive access, economic prosperity, resilience and security, healthy and safe people, and environmental sustainability. We have now declared a climate emergency, and it’s no longer enough to provide a service for only those that have no other option. The focus needs to be on a mode shift, as well as travel demand management. With this in mind, we need to make Hawke’s Bay’s public transport network an easier and more attractive option for all people.

9. In response to the issue of declining use of public transport and the need to reduce emissions from transport, the Regional Council looked at innovative and new technologies and decided the most appropriate solution was to trial an on-demand public transport system. If the initial trial in Hastings is successful, on-demand transport would then be trailed in Napier in 2023.

10. We are trialling on-demand, (to be known as MyWay Hawke’s Bay), as a new kind of public transport to fit in with people’s busy lives. It will make it easier and simpler to catch the bus and get people to more places in Hastings. MyWay understands users’ needs, connects them to other bus services, and arrives when they’re ready to go.

11. To do this, we’ve partnered with Via, a transport technology company. By using their demand responsive software, the MyWay services matches customers who are travelling in the same direction and calculates an optimised flexible route to pick up and drop off customers close to their destination. We want to see how this alternative transport offering works. We will be working with our community listening to their feedback on how easy to use they find the system, if they find it useful, and if they want to see it stick around. We will be testing and trialling things to make sure MyWay works as smoothly as possible. Journeys are likely to be shorter and quicker than the bus service.

12. We have been planning this trail for two years. We are about to begin engaging with the community ahead of the launch of the service having gone through a thorough planning process considering all the factors to develop a fit for purpose service. Our focus over the coming months is on community engagement to ensure the trial is successful. This trial is a significant change for the Hastings community and requires a mode shift from current bus users as well as potential users. We have developed an engagement plan (attached) to ensure we reach the right people to get them out of cars and using public transport.

Discussion

13. Key factors of the service that have been finalised are:

13.1. The on demand public transport service will be known as MyWay Hawke’s Bay

13.2. MyWay will launch on 6 June 2022

13.3. The service will operate from Monday to Friday, based on the timetable of the existing Hastings routes being replaced.

13.4. The service will be operated by Go Bus Transport, as a variation to the current contract.

13.5. Three minivans will operate the service, one of which will be wheelchair accessible, and two will be low-floor accessible vehicles.

13.6. The software infrastructure will be provided and powered by Via (TransitTech) which have a white label app which allows it to be MyWay Hawke’s Bay branded.

13.7. Routes 16a, 16b, and 17, will be replaced by MyWay.

13.8. School students will be able to access the service

13.9. There will be an ‘0800’ phone line for booking without an app

13.10. The boundary for the service is outlined in green.

14. The price point is yet to be finalised. However, it is currently proposed to be a ride cost of $2 per person, which represents the added value of the increased frequency, and ability to travel anywhere in Hastings from within 200m from the rider’s location.

14.1. The current fare for single zone travel is $1

14.2. We aim to have free transfers for anyone using this service to connect to another service, to reduce inequity. This will keep the total travel price capped at $2

14.3. HBDHB have indicated they will cover the cost of the $2 fare for the MyWay service for staff and patients

14.4. Engagement has presented feedback that this could be costly for a family traveling as a group, given this is a per person cost. We acknowledge this, but also note that it is the same cost as a 2-zone trip as a family on the regular bus service. We are continuing to evaluate this feedback and looking at potential options for this issue.

15. The engagement plan (attached) is guiding who we talk to and how we talk to them. We are currently undergoing pre-engagement to further inform our engagement plan, and secure buy-in. We are working with large and influential organisations such as:

15.1. Hawke’s Bay District Health Board

15.2. Hastings District Council

15.3. Hastings Business Association

15.4. Current bus users on routes 16a, 16b, and 17.

16. During pre-engagement, we discovered technology inequities among certain user groups. There are a small number of people who currently use the service, that don’t have access to a cell phone or landline and will be otherwise unable to book the service. This user group primarily consists of 65+ in low-socioeconomic households such as HDC senior housing residents. This resulted in HBRC investigating the following options.

16.1. Offering a fixed route service that would operate during the off-peak window, using one of the on-demand vehicles.

16.1.1. This option goes against the mode shift model and doesn’t address the equity issue long-term. This also diminishes the offering for the on-demand service during off-peak times (9am to 3pm).

16.2. Working with HDC to address the inequity directly. This will help us better understand who lacks access to transport, and how they currently access other services. Solutions include shared phones, a buddy system, or a call-on-behalf carer.

16.2.1. This is the preferred option, and we are working with HDC on an ongoing basis.

16.3. Providing technology to access services, such as providing cell phones to those who currently don’t have communication access.

16.3.1. This option presents issues with the ongoing cost involved in keeping a cell phone topped up, as well as the potential support the user needs given their lack of experience with such technology.

17. Our current overall project status is sitting at on track, but we are flagging it as amber in the HBRC Projects Status Report due to risks set out following.

Schedule: Amber

17.1. This is flagged amber as our preferred launch date is still dependent largely on external forces. One of our largest risks is a delay of the buses that are imported. GoBus has given us verbal assurances that the three buses will be road ready in May in time for a May/June launch however it is still reliant on external suppliers. Given the Omicron emergence, HBRC has escalated its risk response and flagged workforce availability will likely be the limiting factor. Depending on timing of COVID peak, this may affect the work schedule and/or launch.

Budget: Amber

17.2. This has temporarily been moved into amber due to unbudgeted cost which we may need to work through because of delayed technology and out of scope costs arising in response to engagement. It has been confirmed that the fare will be $2, however, the users who transfer to other services will transfer at no extra cost, effectively reducing fare revenue on other connecting services. Concessions (Supergold card etc) will still apply.

Risk: Amber

17.3. Most risks have been identified and mitigation strategies have been developed. The overall risk is flagged amber largely due to the uncertainty of the start of the trial due to guaranteed arrival of the buses and the upgraded COVID pandemic status at HBRC (in which Omicron is anticipated to predominantly affect workforce availability).

Scope: Green

17.4. On track. The project has been well scoped, and a process identified to work through any remaining questions. The preferred date to commence is May/June 2022.

Next Steps

18. Engagement with key groups, such as the Camberley community will begin in March. Engagement with champions and call-on-behalf businesses /facilities will also begin in March.

19. Wider community engagement will take place in April 2022.

20. Vehicles are set to arrive early May, with technology fit out and branding to take place in the following weeks; ready for a 2-week pilot trial to begin on 23 May 2022.

Decision Making Process

21. 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 “On Demand Public Transport Update” staff report.

Authored by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

On Demand Engagement Plan

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

11 March 2022

Subject: March 2022 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, the project management team, including a representative of Hastings District Council, is working towards a trial start date of 6 June 2022.

5. An engagement plan has been developed outlining how we will undertake consultation 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. Branding, service area, and payment provisions are now finalised. Details such as fares, wait times, and walking distances are discussed in a separate report in this agenda.

COVID-19

7. All buses have COVID tracer app QR posters displayed at the doors and onboard in several places. Our online trip register is also available, via the goBay website, for passengers who don’t have smartphones.

8. Face coverings on public transport are now mandatory for all passengers including students in Year 4 and above. Compliance in adults is generally good, however this is not the case with high school students. The transport team have been in touch with some high schools requesting that they remind students of the rules.

9. We have been advised by our service provider, Go Bus Transport Ltd, that following a risk assessment, they do not intend to mandate vaccinations for bus drivers at this time.

10. Go Bus Transport Ltd has registered for the critical workers exemption scheme, which will entitle them to a free supply of RATs (rapid antigen tests) for bus drivers.

Reduced Timetable

11. On Thursday 10 February we were advised by Go Bus Transport Ltd that severe labour shortages meant that they were unable to operate the full timetable without high numbers of trip cancellations. The decision was made to move to a Saturday PLUS timetable from Monday 14 February until further notice. This reduced timetable includes Saturday services, plus Routes 10, 11, 16A, 16, 17, our two contracted school services (Taikura Rudolf Steiner and Hastings Boys’ High School) and some other peak time services.

12. This has been communicated to the public via on-bus messaging, radio ads, community newspapers, the HBRC and goBay websites and Facebook pages. The Customer Experience and transport teams are dealing with an increased volume of enquiries from the public due to these changes.

13. This timetable will be in operation until further notice and until Go Bus Transport has been able to fill bus driver vacancies. (It should be noted that we are one of several regions also experiencing labour shortages resulting in reduced timetables.)

14. The latest update has this likely extending to the end of March 2022.

Network Review

15. A network review is currently underway as part of the preparation for the Regional Public Transport Plan. The review is being undertaken by MRCagney and is due for completion in March, with the following plan to be completed in May.

Passenger Survey 2022

16. Due to the reduced timetable, the passenger survey, which was scheduled for early March, has been postponed until further notice.

Public Transport Service Trips

17. Diagram 1 (attached) shows public transport trips made from July 2012 to January 2022.

18. 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

19. Diagram 2 (attached) shows the year-to-date net cost (after fares and excluding GST) of operating the goBay bus service from July 2012 to January 2022.

20. 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

21. 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

22. The implementation of Ridewise is underway, with the first stage to be complete in the first two weeks of March. Ridewise is scheduled to be fully operational by late April or early May.

23. HBRC is currently cleansing data and working with Transport Operators to ensure they have compatible technology.

24. Once Ridewise is implemented, the process will experience increased automation, and will be managed predominantly by exception.

Total Mobility Scheme Trips

25. Diagram 3 (attached) shows the number of Total Mobility trips made from July 2012 to January 2022.

Total Mobility Scheme Cost

26 Diagram 4 (attached) shows the cost of the Total Mobility Scheme (excluding GST) from July 2012 to January 2022.

Decision Making Process

27 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 “March 2022 Public Transport Update” report.

Authored by:

Megan Welsby

Sustainable Transport Advisor

Approved by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Attachment/s

1 ⇩	Public Transport Service Trips and Costs
2 ⇩	Total Mobility Scheme Trips and Costs

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Regional Transport Committee

11 March 2022

Subject: Roadsafe Update

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

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

4.4. Youth Road Safety social media campaign, which would have otherwise been delivered in person at the Expo in May. This campaign will target risk associated with young drivers.

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 8, with 2 recorded for Hawke’s Bay in quarter 2 of the 2021-2022 financial year.

7. The total number of DSI for Q2 is 58, with 56 being serious injuries.

8. This equates to 31.9 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
Q2	01/10/2021 -31/12/2021	181,500	2	56	58	31.955
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
Full year	01/01/2021 - 31/12/2021	181,500	8	140	148	81.542

S17a Review

9. All stakeholders have had the opportunity to provide feedback.

10. Based on feedback, a matrix has been established to calculate the best possible outcomes for Road Safety delivery. Stakeholders at the workshop challenged the values attributed to some of the points in the matrix, which was discussed and finalised.

11. It is agreed that:

11.1. Leadership should come from the RTC, and all expectations should be clarified

11.2. The approach should be holistic (safety, social, and economic) and focussed on a ‘safe system’

11.3. Delivery should be approached regionally, with the right people in the right place

11.4. The programme needs to be linked to the infrastructure programme as well as the Waka Kotahi programme, with focus on what message and why, and then where and how to deliver it.

12. There is an interest in working more closely with surrounding regions (Horizons and Tairawhiti) given we share state highways.

2022 Road Safety Expo

13. Due to event restrictions, and general uncertainty around organising events, HBRC have decided not to run the 2022 Road Safety Expo. Instead, HBRC has engaged MarComms to begin working on a communication plan to reach the audience digitally.

14. This is a good opportunity to investigate the success of road safety messaging through social media and will help us reach a targeted demographic that is most at risk. As a captive and engaged audience, in a way they are comfortable receiving information.

15. The stakeholders and committee members have been advised.

16. Over 2000 Hawke’s Bay students would normally attend the expo across the week.

17. Stalls, activities, and displays would include: DHB (Trauma), DHB (Drug and Alcohol), St John (First Aid), FENZ, ACC, Dunstall’s Funeral Services, 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).

18. The social media campaign will pull together and deliver road safety messaging from all stakeholders.

19. Feedback from students indicated that they’d like more time to participate in activities at the expo and would like more hands-on activities. This feedback will be taken into consideration when planning the social media campaign. While hands-on activities are unlikely, thought can be given to how the campaign can be interactive and participatory rather than passive.

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” 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

11 March 2022

Subject: Transport Manager’s March 2022 Report

Reason for Report

1. This 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 current national and local issues and work programmes from Waka Kotahi, Ministry for the Environment and Ministry of Education, the Passenger Transport Network/Service Review, Regional Cycling Governance Group, Regional Cycle Plan, On Demand Public Transport, Ridewise, Roadsafe, Driver Licensing Programme, and work programmes from the Transport Special Interest Group (TSIG).

3. Separate reports to this meeting cover the On Demand Public Transport Trial, Regional Cycling Governance, a Road Safety update, and the Public Transport service delivery.

Discussion

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

4. The network review is underway and due to be completed mid-March. The network plan will commence in the first week of March with a completion date of mid-May. MRCagney are working with multiple levels of data including current public transport statistics, population growth, district plans, and national policy.

5. Work will soon begin on the RPTP in conjunction with the review and plan, with the document to be finalized in June.

6. 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.

Regional Cycling Governance Group (RCGG)

7. This group was established to govern the Hawke’s Bay Trails under the Great Ride scheme, however, is now more focused on the overall regional cycle network. As a result, there is little connection to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC). Active Transport is now a key mode focus as part of the overall Transport picture, and as such, should be governed in the same way as public transport, total mobility, freight, engineering, and road safety.

8. A discussion document with officer recommendations is included in this agenda.

9. At the last meeting of the RCGG on 14 February, concerns were raised by members that cycling will not receive appropriate attention under the proposed structure. This will be addressed in the discussion document.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Cycle Plan (RCP)

10. The RCP has been drafted by the RCGG but has not been presented to the RTC for endorsement.

11. Active transport is a key feature of a multi modal public transport network, and as such, the RCP should be finalized in conjunction with the RPTP engagement process and presented to the RTC together.

On Demand Public Transport (ODPT)

12. 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 have been able to secure technical equipment from other regions’ existing stock. Further details of the ODPT trial have been outlined in the On Demand Public Transport update.

Ridewise

13. The first migration of data to the Ridewise system has been completed, with very few issues found. There is a small amount of further cleansing required, before the system can be used as an internal database. The organization has contracted an external project manager to manage the process. This project manager has managed implementation the Ridewise system for all other regions.

14. Transport Operators are supportive of the system and are currently working with HBRC on implementation. Further details will be outlined in the Public Transport update.

RoadSafe

15. We are still operating the RoadSafe programme with 1.2 FTE, as opposed to 1.75, which is continuing to place pressure on the delivery capacity and reduces our ability to be reactive to community opportunities.

16. The Road Safety Expo 2022 has been cancelled due to Omicron and its associated event restrictions. HBRC has committed to delivering the messaging through a social media campaign, targeting the audience that would otherwise attend the expo. Work has begun on a comms plan, and the campaign will run in May, when the Expo would have been scheduled.

17. The s17a review has been completed by Morrison Low and the findings and proposed outcome presented to the RTC in a separate item on today’s agenda.

Driver Licensing Programme

18. Contract variations have been signed by programme providers, and delivery will continue to the end of the financial year.

19. The contract variations included additional reporting requirements to align with the Vision Zero strategy.

20. Wairoa has now secured a local instructor, which will support the delivery of the programme operated by Wairoa College.

21. We are continuing to look 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.

22. HBRC and Waka Kotahi have discussed the future of the driver licensing programme and agree that our regions’ high number of adult learners and restricted license holders should be addressed. This is a growing number and could be considered for the future driver licensing programme funded by Waka Kotahi and HBRC.

Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) Review

23. The Ministry of Transport have provided an update on the PTOM review.

24. The PTOM is likely to be replaced by “The Sustainable PT Framework” which focuses on mode shift, a sustainable labour market, environmental and health outcomes, and value for money and efficiency.

25. It will likely no longer be focused on commerciality, reducing reliance on subsidies, and competitive tendering.

26. The model will be managed by a procurement manual and guidelines, which will be developed by a working group with representatives from large, medium, and small regional councils. The working group will be established this quarter.

27. The Sustainable PT Framework will likely include a zero emission buses mandate.

28. The Ministry of Transport is looking to increase transparency of operator costs and financial performance, which will likely result in the ability to negotiate rather than competitively tender. The associated legislative process will commence in approximately 12 months.

Road User Charges Consultation

29. The Ministry of Transport has advised that they are seeking feedback on possible changes to the Road User Charges (RUC).

30. They are considering how RUC might be used to charge for greenhouse gas emissions and other factors such as noise pollution and congestion. Currently RUC predominantly contributes to road damage costs.

31. They are also considering removing paper label requirements and mandating electronic RUC for heavy vehicles. This can come at a cost of approximately $70 per vehicle per month, which is cost prohibitive for some companies. Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand (formerly the Road Transport Forum) is submitting feedback to the Ministry of Transport in this regard.

32. HBRC is aware that any increase in cost or requirements for heavy vehicle operators often results in adverse consequences, such as lower productivity and increased cost to the region. HBRC is also aware that national funding for transport is limited, and RUC is way to address this.

33. If the RTC was to submit feedback to the Ministry, it would be challenging to separate the climate and funding benefits from the cost and productivity implications.

Emissions Reduction Plan

34. MfE has released NZ’s first Emissions Reduction Plan as required under the Climate Change Response Act 2002. The Transport Special Interest Group (TSIG) has sent a submission on the document, only commenting on the Transport section of the plan. HBRC has contributed to this, and the submission was supplied to the RTC at the December meeting.

35. 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.

36. It is agreed that a 20% reduction in vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) requires a mode shift to PT and active modes.

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

Travel Demand Management (TDM)

38. The TSIG has established a TDM working group, which HBRC has representation. 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.

39. 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 can 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 because of this.

Ministry of Education School Bus Network

40. The new 12-year contract for school bus services began at the end of January, with some disruption around the country and wider Hawke’s Bay Region. HBRC has not seen an influx in public transport use because of any changes. There is a possibility that drivers changing operators during this time has impacted the driver shortage issue we face with our PT operator.

Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) Investment & Delivery Issues

41. The Technical Advisory Group meeting held on 14 February 2022 was largely dedicated to a challenge workshop for the s17a Road Safe review. Roading authorities were asked to submit any issues or delays via email, and none were received. HBRC considers that Wairoa, CHBDC, NCC and Hastings District Council all indicated their work programmes were on track.

Judicial review of the 2021-24 National Land Transport Plan (NLTP)

42. A judicial review has been brought against Waka Kotahi by transport advocacy organsiation, Movement, on the adoption of the 2021-24 NLTP. Movement claims the NLTP's adoption was unlawful because of the way Waka Kotahi considered greenhouse gas emissions in their decision-making – and as a result failed to give effect to the climate priorities in the Government Policy Statement for land transport (GPS).

43. Waka Kotahi is defending the claim. They believe the process in developing and adopting the 2021-24 NLTP was lawful, robust and that the programme gives effect to all four priorities within the GPS, as well as the Government’s commitments.

44. Waka Kotahi recently shared the claim information with Approved Organisations – as it could have an impact on the funding and delivery of the current land transport programme.

45. If Movement’s claim is successful, the 2021-24 NLTP will be declared void and Waka Kotahi will need to review and redevelop the 2021-24 NLTP. That means many of the activities would have to be reconsidered and may be reprioritised, including those that have already been approved for funding.

46. The High Court has given all Approved Organisations the opportunity to participate in the claim because of the potential impacts on work programmes. Waka Kotahi has been in touch to discuss the judicial review and HBRC’s potential involvement.

47. HBRC has until 14 March to inform the Court if they would like to participate.

Decision Making Process

48. 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 “Transport Manager’s March 2022 Report”.

Authored by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.