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The committee commenced hearing the
verbal submissions from members of the public.
·
Jude
Henderson on behalf of Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly Blind Foundation)
(sub 76). The challenges faced by public transport users with
disabilities are not adequately addressed to provide accessible, safe, public
transport in HB. Please investigate accessibility initiatives elsewhere that
could be implemented in HB to make services more accessible.
· Jude Henderson on behalf of Napier
Disability Awareness Group (sub 155) noted the need for equitable access
to public transport and advocates for better bus driver training on how to
communicate and interact with disabled passengers. Suggested a
‘disability liaison’ or community transport role be established.
· Kate Ivicheva and Robin Malley on
behalf of Napier City Council (sub149) stressed the need for a safe,
accessible public transport system that uses low/no emission vehicles and
support for the expansion of services to include the airport.
· Glennis Libby (sub142) expressed
support for services through Clive, Whakatu, and Mangateretere to Napier and Hastings.
Suggests bus shelters should have room for wheelchairs and mobility scooters,
lighting and current information panels, and that bus drivers should have
more first aid and customer service training. Supports retaining cash for
fares. Suggests more promotion of using public transport, e.g. bus trip
‘deals’ where an activity is included in a promotion (family
discounts at attractions), and as a safe way to travel.
·
Peter
Grant, Bruce Carnegie and Rachael Kawana on behalf of Ahuriri Napier Age
Friendly Advisory Group (sub 159) focused on the public transport
services and routes being age friendly for seniors, who are often dependent
on public transport. Would like more clarity of information in relation to
change-overs and timetables in real-time. Supports retaining cash for a
transition over a period of time and a reduced Total Mobility scheme.
Nic
Ganivet left the meeting at 11am
·
Maria
Neville-Foster (Sacred Heart College Principal), Liam Greer (General Manager Palmerston
North Diocese), George Roberts (St John’s College Principal), Lucy
Laitinen (parent & Sacred Heart College old girl) on behalf of the
Diocese of Palmerston North (sub 171) expressed concerns about proposed cuts
to school bus services between Napier and Hastings, and the negative impacts this
might have on public transport networks if expected to transport thousands of
school safely every day. Transport challenges create equity and access issues
for students.
· Mayor Alex Walker and Councillor
Kate Taylor on behalf of Central Hawke’s Bay District Council (sub
174). Advocates for a trial of CHB-Hastings/Napier express peak time bus
services and the need for a suitable funding model to be developed so the
service can go ahead.
· William Stacey (sub 176) shared some photographs
of old bus fleets to support his submission in support of the proposed new
bus routes.
· Stewart Whyte, Marei Apatu and Kane Koko
on behalf of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga (sub 162) Accessibility to
adequate public transport has impacts on the economic and social wellbeing of
communities and has the potential
to unlock access to employment, education, cultural activities, and
well-being services.
Propose new routes through Waipatu,
Whakatu, Omahu, Paki Paki and Bridge Pa to Flaxmere where a transport
hub could be established.
· Carol-Ann Guard on behalf of The
Voice (sub 161) group of people with disabilities. The RPTP document is a
challenging read for those with learning or sight disabilities and
there’s a need for better communication with these groups in all areas
of public transport, particularly changes to services. Suggests that bus
services should be extended to be between 6am and 9pm. It was suggested that
a ‘support person’ travelling with a disabled person should have
free fares.
· Walter Breustedt on behalf of St
Columbia’s Havelock North Environment Group (sub 109). Submit that
public transport needs a marketing strategy and more advertising (using same
media as car industry) to compete with the alternatives (cars), including
promotional campaigns. Suggests a ‘real-time’ bus timetable app
as a cheaper option than display screens at bus stops. The advantages in
terms of pollution (toxic dust) and emissions reductions should be part of
the marketing strategy.
·
The
Chair acknowledged the staff for their huge efforts to engage with
communities during consultation, particularly around the proposed new bus
routes.
The
meeting adjourned at 12.06pm and reconvened at 12.31pm with Nick Flack having
left the meeting.
·
There
was discussion about points made by submitters around security, education,
driver training, and alternative transport delivery methods, e.g. ride-share
apps and community-led services.
The
meeting adjourned at 12.39pm and reconvened at 12.45pm with Councillor Kate
Taylor having left the meeting
·
Eloise
Mackay (HDC Community Connector) on behalf of the Hastings District
Council Disability Reference Group (sub 150) shared a video of Hamish,
who spoke to the submission. Hamish stressed that people with disabilities
are totally reliant on public transport to access their communities and it
needs to be affordable, safe and easily accessed. My Way, or a similar
service needs to be retained as a better alternative than Total Mobility.
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