Vanpooling on the cards for small town travellers

MEDIA RELEASE
Horizons Regional Council

Wednesday 22 February, 2012

Vanpooling on the cards for small town travellers

Small town travellers could save on fuel costs by sharing their daily ride under a new transport initiative to be trialled by Horizons Regional Council.

Vanpooling, a relatively new concept in New Zealand, allows carpooling to take place on a larger scale through the use of commercial vans rather than private cars. It has achieved widespread success in the USA and Horizons is currently looking at suitable locations for a 12 month trial.

Chair of Horizons Passenger Transport Committee Vern Chettleburgh described the new initiative as “an exciting opportunity” for small town travellers.

“Transporting passengers from smaller towns to bigger centres has been a real challenge for our region and this trial certainly fits with our objective of providing accessible and affordable public transport,” he said.

Under this new initiative, passengers will be able to book and pay for their fares online. Monthly passes covering the cost of fuel and van lease are likely to be available for commuters, with less frequent passengers able to book one-off fares should spare seats be available.

Although the exact location for the vanpooling trial is yet to be determined, the concept has been well received by Tararua residents.

Chairman of the Dannevirke Community Board, Ray Teahan, said the initiative would provide greater opportunities not only for commuters but also for casual passengers who needed to get into Palmerston North to attend appointments.

“We are very keen and have been for some time in van sharing,” Mr Teahan said. “We have a number of elderly people who need to come to Palmerston North for various reasons and who can’t make the trip over the Saddle Road or Pahiatua Track [by themselves].”

This sentiment was shared by Chairperson of the Pahiatua On Track Community Committee, Cynthia Cass, who said “our committee is constantly challenged on the need for greater public transport options and we see vanpool ridesharing as a major step in the right direction”.

At the 2006 census, 363 Tararua residents indicated that they worked in Palmerston North City. If a vanpool were to be established in the Taurarua area, only 2% of commuters would need to use it for it to be sustainable.

Consideration is also being given to Wanganui residents commuting to work in Palmerston North and those travelling in from Shannon although the initial 12 month trial will only be held in one location.

A one-off set-up cost of up to $3,500 will be funded by Horizons as underwriters of the vanpool scheme. 8-seater vans will be provided and managed by JUCY Share at a lease cost of $1,250 per month.

Ends