“Transport roadshow an overwhelming success”

4 February 2002

The success of an Auckland Regional Council transport roadshow at the Auckland District Health Board last week has further confirmed the level of public interest in beating congestion to and from work. The travelling roadshow focuses on promoting public transport options and alternatives to driving to work in single occupancy cars within the region.

The Auckland District Health Board invited the Auckland Regional Council to present roadshows as part of the strategic plan for parking and traffic at its two main hospital sites.

The roadshow spent two days at Auckland Hospital last week, and continues at Starship Hospital, Greenlane Hospital and National Women’s Hospital over the next fortnight.

Enthusiastic hospital employees have taken the opportunity to discuss their specific ‘travel to work’ requirements with ARC transport advisors. The advisors work with interested commuters to develop tailored travel alternatives with detailed travel information and timetables for buses, trains and ferries from where they live, as well as regional cycle guides and information on ridesharing to work.

The promotion is fully supported by Stagecoach Auckland, Fullers Ferries, Tranz Metro, Howick and Eastern Buses, Birkenhead Transport, and Urban Express. Staff keen to trial the services provided by these operators are receiving free travel passes.

“As the largest employer in Central Auckland, we are committed to doing our bit to reduce congestion,” said Reg Prasad, Auckland District Health Board’s Facilities Manager. “We have been working closely with the Auckland Regional Council to ensure our staff are fully informed of the options available to them and that staff can readily access information to assist them plan their journeys to and from work.”

Passenger Transport Committee Chairwoman, ARC Councillor Catherine Harland, said the roadshow has found that staff have often stuck with driving because they don’t know what the options are and haven’t had time to find out about them. “By taking information directly to the workplace, Auckland District Health Board staff have been able to speak one on one with people who can advise them on the most time effective alternative for getting to and from work and the costs involved,” said Cr Harland. “Receiving personalised information gives added confidence to take the step and trial the public transport services. The free travel pass also provides a strong incentive for staff to give public transport services a go.”

“The response has been overwhelming. We commend the Auckland District Health Board management for their leadership with this promotion and their role in helping reduce congestion on the roads.”

The roadshow also includes a demonstration of the Rideline™ website, which provides detailed journey planning information, timetables and fares for travel anywhere in Auckland. Now available on the Auckland District Health Board intranet, employees have a simple way to access information on buses, trains and ferries at any time of the day or night.

The Auckland Regional Council is currently planning similar workplace promotions in 2002. Organisations interested in hosting the roadshow on-site for their employees should contact Jo Wilson on the number below.

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For further information please call:
Catherine Harland, Passenger Transport Committee Chairwoman, Phone 636-8464 or
Jo Wilson, ARC Marketing Adviser - Transport, Phone 373-9967

For public transport information in Auckland contact Rideline™ on Ph 366 6400 or visit www.rideline.co.nz

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