Affordable transport improvements

“Affordable transport improvements can be made to the network and Aucklanders are missing out,” says Auckland councillor candidate Greg McKeown. “Relatively straightforward changes can improve ridership and experience,” he said.

McKeown has provided three examples of proposed improvements to prove the point.

Sixty minute transfer time allowance - better for all bus riders across the network

Transfer discounts currently apply if you TAG back a bus or train on within 30 minutes.

“It should be sixty minutes,” says McKeown. That would provide PT users a more reasonable time to stop’n’shop on the way home, just like car users can.”

“Christchurch has had a two hour regime for years. “On transfers,” McKeown says, “we’ve taken over a decade to still be over an hour behind,” says McKeown.

Affordable and convenient option to Auckland Airport – better for everyone

Auckland is missing out on the opportunity to have more workers getting to the airport by bus.

Auckland’s Dominion and Mt Eden Roads are used by the Skybus service between downtown and the airport but the fare is $18 one way.

“That’s totally unaffordable for workers, commuters and students and they are left only with the car as a practical option,” says McKeown.

“The solution is to use those routes, connect the services with crosstown and other services, and charge an affordable AT HOP card price for the trip,” says McKeown. “Skybus could pick people up from Mt Roskill and Three Kings before it makes its express dash to the airport. If Melbourne-based Skybus does not want to look at it, Auckland Transport needs to develop an affordable alternative.”

“Affordable and convenient public transport to the airport area is a hole in the network,” says McKeown.

Electric bus trial – better for our health

Two years ago a study into air quality in the city centre showed that air pollution exceeded World Health Organisation and Auckland’s own standards in Customs street.

McKeown says the main cause is diesel buses. “Buses are an important part of our transport system, but we can’t put our heads in the sand over this one,” says McKeown.

Electric buses are rolling out in overseas cities. “Smoother ride. Less noise. Less air pollution. No diesel smell. Better for everyone - riders, pedestrians, cyclists,” says McKeown.

Just one example, see London double-decker electric bus http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/world-s-first-electric-double-decker-bus-london-a6934646.html

ENDS