Submissions are now open on the Draft Marlborough Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) 2024-2034.

Multi Modal Advisor to the Marlborough District Council Charlotte Campbell-Lamerton said this was the public’s opportunity to have their say on the region’s public transport service now and in the future.

“The Marlborough RPTP sets out the road map for public transport for the next 10 years for our region.

“This is the first time the plan has been consulted on specifically for Marlborough as previously it has been developed as part of a wider top of the south plan. It means we can now focus primarily on the public transport services contracted or provided by Council for our region,” Charlotte said.

Council is responsible for providing public transport services in Marlborough as well as the Total Mobility Scheme which provides a subsidy for travel impaired residents who are unable to access public transport or other transport alternatives.

“We want to hear people’s views on the existing bus service including its frequency, reliability, value for money, accessibility and vehicle quality.

“Further feedback is also being sought on whether users would like to see pets allowed on our bus service as well as any comments on the proposed National Ticketing System (NTS) where there is one travel card accepted throughout New Zealand on all forms of public transport.

“This feedback will be used to improve Marlborough’s passenger transport service,” Charlotte said.

Public transport services are funded by fares from passengers, New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and ratepayers.

The Ministry of Transport and NZTA require the patronage of public transport nationwide to increase along with fare recovery. Fare increases will be annual, and more revenue streams are needed to support the delivery of the public transport service.

“As part of this consultation, we would like to know how Marlborough residents see that fare recovery being achieved,” she said.

The Marlborough RLTP is aligned with the government’s priorities described in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS 2023) which has a strong alignment on inclusive access, economic prosperity, healthier and safer people, environmental sustainability and resilience.

Submissions close 30 September at 5pm.

To have your say go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/have-your-say-consultations

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