May 20, 2009

MEDIA STATEMENT

Strong response to Timaru Metro strategy.

Environment Canterbury and Timaru District Council have received a strong response from Timaru residents regarding the future direction of their Metro bus services. 

The two councils asked for public feedback on the Timaru Public Transport Strategy last month and received responses from almost 200 residents.  Approximately a third of respondents were non-bus users and the more than 900 comments and suggestions addressed a wide range of services that Metro provides.

“It is important that Timaru district residents have their say on improving passenger transport services and both councils really appreciate people taking the time to send us their feedback,” said Environment Canterbury South Canterbury councillor Bronwen Murray.

“Once these recommendations are collated, they will be passed to the Passenger Transport Advisory Group which will move to the next phase of the review process and set future targets for the Timaru Metro Strategy.”

Respondents discussed a wide range of issues and services with the majority of comments focusing on bus services to Pleasant Point, quality of vehicles, good service practices, drivers, timetables, route and price.  The suggestions addressed issues such as route issues, frequency, hours of service and infrastructure.

Environment Canterbury southern transport officer Tony Henderson said that Timaru District Council and the regional council aim to launch the strategy in December; however there will be another round of public consultation in August.

“We will be delivering brochures to all households in Timaru outlining our progress so far and the proposed changes and targets for the Metro strategy later this year.  This will provide residents with another opportunity for feedback on whether we are heading in the right direction and suggest further changes before the strategy is adopted at the end of the year.”

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