Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021
Report No. 21-04 Information Only - No Decision Required
GENERAL PASSENGER TRANSPORT UPDATE
1. PURPOSE 1.1. The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on general matters relating to passenger transport services in the region. It does not cover patronage or trip data, this is addressed in the Public Transport Services Report 1 July – 31 December 2020.
2. RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 21-04.
3. FINANCIAL IMPACT 3.1. There is no financial impact as a result of this report.
4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4.1. No community engagement is required as a result of this report.
5. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 5.1. There are no significant business risks.
6. CLIMATE IMPACT STATEMENT 6.1. As the report deals entirely with administrative matters, there is no climate change impact.
7. EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS AMENDMENT ACT 8. On the 6 December 2020 the new Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERAA) compliant timetables were implemented for Palmerston North and Massey services. The changes have been generally well received with very limited feedback being provided by the public on the urban services. 8.1. Massey services received more feedback than the urban services, mainly from Massey staff members. After reviewing the feedback we were able to make minor amendments to some services, which allowed us to provide the staff with better access to the services. These changes have since received positive response from the staff.
9. PALMERSTON NORTH SERVICE REVIEW (UPDATE) 9.1. The Palmerston North Review Governance Group (Governance Group) met on 30 November 2020. At this meeting the Governance Group was presented a vision for the review and some principles for the future network. Members provided suggested amendments to these which staff are working through and will provided updated versions to the Group at its next meeting.
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 9.2. The Governance Group was presented with several network design typologies based on a coverage-patronage scale to discuss. 9.3. Members agreed a network typology that best achieves patronage increases is the preferred option to move towards. This has given clear direction to staff to further develop networks that provide more direct frequent services into and across town. The members agreed that networks with multiple transfer locations and longer individual routes would not achieve a better outcome for public transport in the city. 9.4. The next meeting of the Governance Group will be on 1 April 2021. At this meeting members will be presented with options for moving forward into public consultation, which is planned for the middle of 2021.
10. PALMERSTON NORTH ELECTRIC VEHICLE 10.1. At the end of January 2021 Palmerston North’s first modern electric bus arrived in the city. To celebrate its arrival and before it enters service, a launch event is planned for 24 February 2021. In the morning the vehicle will be brought into The Square for viewing and the public will have the opportunity to take a ride in it around The Square. Tranzit will have staff onsite to provide information about the vehicle. We hope members of the Passenger Transport Committee will be able to join us to mark the launch of the bus into the Horizons fleet.
11. FEILDING IMPROVEMENTS 11.1. In May 2020 the Committee approved the implementation of a package of improvements to the Feilding around town / Feilding to Palmerston North service (Feilding service). The improvements include provision of a Feilding only service which travels exclusively around the Feilding township separately to the commuter service and provision of additional Saturday services on the commuter between Palmerston North and Feilding. Improvements are scheduled to be implemented prior to 30 June 2021. 11.2. Discussions are underway with Manawatu District Council to ensure new bus stops and other supporting infrastructure are in place for the commencement of the service. Following work with the bus operator to establish detailed timetables and more accurate costings for the service improvements a meeting with the Advisory Group is planned to be held shortly. The aim of the meeting will be to seek agreement and support from the Group on the improvements which could be implemented this year within the agreed budget, and what improvements could be implemented at a later date.
12. WHANGANUI URBAN TIMETABLE CHANGES (UPDATE) 12.1. On the 18 January 2021 an updated timetable went live in Whanganui. The updated timetable included improved route numbering and naming, aimed at making the services easier to understand, and two small route changes to improve safety and access. 12.2. As part of this project, 40 bus stop sites were upgraded with on street information to assist with ease of understanding of availability of services across Whanganui. 12.3. A replacement bus shelter will also be installed on Cornfoot St in the coming months. 12.4. The Whanganui Advisory Group has been re-establish, and met on 3 February. This is a joint Horizons and Whanganui District Council group with the aim of working together to ensure public transport works efficient within the city and on how it can be further improved.
13. DECARBONISATION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS FLEET Government announcement
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 13.1. In January 2021, the Government announced its commitment to decarbonizing the public transport bus fleet. To achieve its targets Government has committed $50 million over 4 years to help councils fully decarbonize the public transport bus fleet by 2035. The announcement also stated by 2025 the Government will only allow zero-emission public transport buses to be purchased. 13.2. The Government has stated it will engage with the sector about how the $50 million fund is spent, and how barriers to decarbonisation can be overcome in the fastest, most economically efficient way. 13.3. We anticipate the Local Government Transport Special Interest Group (TSIG), will be one of the key forums government will work with on this matter. Prior to this announcement TSIG had already initiated a project on decarbonisation of the bus fleet. Information will be shared with Members once anything further is known. General information 13.4. The purchase price of an equivalent-size electric bus is around twice that of a diesel bus. For example, to purchase a standard electric bus is around $750,000.00 – $850,000.00, compared to a modern Euro 6 diesel equivalent of around $350,000.00 - $450,000.00. The purchase price of electric buses is expected to fall as the technology matures. 13.5. Electric buses are currently exempt from paying Road User Charges (RUC) until 31 December 2021. The RUC exemption can only be extended if legislation is changed. Government is considering a range of changes to road user charging to address low carbon fuels, including the possibility of extending the current RUC exemption. 13.6. Electric buses require charging infrastructure and extra space may be required at depots to enable the installation of chargers. New cabling to bring the power from a nearby substation to the depot may also be required. Some designs incorporate on route charging facilities. This is not expected to be common, though it may be necessary on some longer routes. 13.7. At present, electric buses have heavier axle loads than diesel versions largely due to the additional weight of the batteries and their axle configuration. Currently, most electric buses only have a standard two-axle format while most large buses in New Zealand incorporate a third axle at the rear to reduce road damage. As demand for zero-emission buses grow, we anticipate the supply of three-axle e-buses to increase, which will lessen the wear on our roads.
14. CAPITAL CONNECTION 14.1. The current state ‘S car’ rolling stock has a finite life with structural deterioration (corrosion) being the limiting factor. The rolling stock is 46 years old and last refurbished in 1998. KiwiRail Engineers state that the units will be life expired in 2022. 14.2. Prior to Christmas the first car being refurbished under the $3.5 million remediation project showed greater than expected levels of corrosion, and as a result KiwiRail undertook invasive testing of the remaining cars. By the end of January five of the seven carriages in the fleet had returned to operation. 14.3. The plan is to have the fleet size come to six carriages in early February and to use the ‘spare’ seventh carriage to be rolled through the fleet to undertake the remaining remedial works on the carriages. The remediation work on the whole fleet is expected to be completed around July 2021. At this stage it is KiwiRail’s intention to remediate the carriages within the $3.5 million funding provided for, however there may need to be a change in scope depending on issues identified through this work. 14.4. Typically six carriages ran the service Tuesday to Thursday, with seven carriages running on Mondays and Fridays (busier days). Covid-19 has negatively impacted patronage, with patronage circa 75% of pre-covid levels, with a notable drop off on Fridays. This means the
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 use of the seventh car rolling through the fleet during the remediation project is not impacting on passenger capacity. 14.5. From a customer experience perspective the current scope of the remediation project includes a re-paint of the carriage, repairs/renewals of linoleum for vestibule and toilet area, glass siding doors, installation of a wheelchair hoist, internal linings décor, seat arm rests, carpet patch repairs, luggage racks, and vestibule roof repair.
15. LOWER NORTH ISLAND PASSENGER RAIL PROJECT 15.1. Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), in collaboration with Horizons Regional Council (Horizons), are exploring the procurement of a low/zero carbon long distance commuter fleet. 15.2. This is envisaged as the future of mobility across the Greater Wellington and Manawatu regions where it will connect Wellington to the Wairarapa and the Manawatu with modern and reliable trains. These trains will replace the aging locomotive-hauled Wairarapa and Capital Connection carriages which are nearing the end of their service lives, and enable improved service capacity and frequency on both lines during both the peak and off-peak. 15.3. Led by GWRC this is a collaborative project involving Horizons, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail and Transdev. 15.4. Key benefits this project is expected to deliver are: a. Continuity of reliable, safe, comfortable and affordable long distance public transport services within the Greater Wellington and Horizons regions b. Increased service capacity, frequency and flexibility to support growth in both regions c. Decarbonisation of transport networks by: achieving mode shift from private motor vehicles to rail eliminating the diesel-powered locomotives and generators that currently haul the carriage fleet utilising existing electrification within the Wellington metro network d. Improving transport network resilience e. Improving access and economic prosperity for both regions via enhanced regional connectivity 15.5. Development of the Detailed Business Case (DBC) is underway and it will build on the Indicative Business Case (IBC) completed in December 2019. The DBC will be underpinned by an international rolling stock market sounding, and the development of a number of detailed investigation reports comprising: Demand modelling for Wairarapa and Manawatu services over the period 2020 to 2040 Vehicle requirements specification Analysis of viable secondary propulsion and auxiliary energy modes Indicative whole of life fleet ownership costs Options for the maintenance facilities to support a new fleet Potential network improvements required to support fleet introduction Options for fleet capital funding and operational costs Contracting options for the supply of the rolling stock and depot facilities, and for the future operation and maintenance of the fleet and depot Procurement risk assessment with practical options for risk mitigation and management
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 15.6. Following a competitive tender process, GWRC has appointed a consortium headed by RPS Group to lead the DBC preparation. RPS will lead the business case writing and prepare strategic, financial and economic reports (including the economics of decarbonisation), and they will draw on their experiences preparing similar business cases which have led to successful rolling stock procurements in Australia. 15.7. Specialist transport modellers from Lynxx will undertake demand modelling to understand and predict future patronage demand, including the latest predictions for Covid-19 recovery, and consider the impact of service frequency (i.e. help optimise service frequency). Lynxx has significant rail demand modelling experience in New Zealand and globally. 15.8. Rollingstock investigations will be undertaken by IPEX consulting who have a depth of experience working with the latest low-carbon technologies. Members of the IPEX team have previously worked alongside GWRC and KiwiRail during specification and procurement of the existing Metlink rail fleets. 15.9. The image below shows the key milestones for Phase One of the project.
15.10. The following table provides details and expected timings for the further project phases of the project, with the first new train being in service in 2027, subject to obtaining government funding and award of supply contract.
PHASE PHASE DESCRIPTION TASK START TASK COMPLETION
Prepare and Undertake EOI Process 2 July 2021 April 2022 & Prepare RFT Obtain Funding May 2022 May 2022 Release the RFT and evaluate 3 May 2022 December 2022 Tenders for Negotiate and award the supply 4 December 2022 March 2023 Contract(s) First In Service Train 2027
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 16. NORTHERN EXPLORER AND PROPOSED INTER-REGIONAL PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE 16.1. In September 2020, regional councils, cities and district councils along the North Island Main Truck (NIMT) in partnership with KiwiRail agreed to work together on proposals for the Northern Explorer and a Proposed Inter-Regional Passenger Rail Service between Auckland and Wellington. 16.2. Since then work has been underway by KiwiRail to prepare a high-level feasibility report for Regional Passenger Rail “The Connector” Wellington to Auckland. This report is an initial exploration of the possible options for implementing a North Island inter-regional passenger rail service operating on the NIMT, making the most of New Zealand’s existing land transport network. A commuter service that runs between Wellington and Auckland has been considered as part of a phased approach, however there are intricacies that make this complex as an initial solution. The report aims to form the basis of joint discussions between KiwiRail and the 19 Mayors and Chairs of Councils on the NIMT to progress the consideration of the development of an inter-regional passenger rail service between Wellington and Auckland. It is anticipated this work will be completed within the next few months. 16.3. The High-Level Feasibility Report will help to inform options and details to be considered in the next stage of work, the development of a detailed Feasibility Study.
17. DIGITAL 17.1. In December 2020, the new Bus Alerts Widget was launched. This new widget sits on the timetables and fares page on the HRC Website, and provides a condensed, intuitive and easy to read way to access vital information regarding the status of our services. This widget replaces the Bus Notices page, which has since been removed.
17.2. A new Journey Planner feature is currently in the late stages of development. Testing of the functionality and accuracy of the feature is being undertaken during February. Once the testing has been successfully completed the feature will be deployed on the Horizons website.
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021
18. COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS 18.1. An audit has been conducted with our Transport Operators regarding the supply of necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and relevant collateral for our operators and passengers. PPE with operators has been found to be more than sufficient, with roughly 15,000 face masks and 60L of hand sanitizer spread out among operator depots. A social media message was recently posted reminding passengers to scan the COVID QR Code on buses or use a registered Bee Card to record their trip. 18.2. In the event of an alert level change, our services will change accordingly. At Level 2, masks will be highly recommended (unless otherwise mandated) on all Horizons contracted services, and services will operate on reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing. Under a Level 2 alert, there are no changes to the operating schedule. At Level 3, inter-regional and inter-district services (such as commuter services) will be cancelled and services operate under reduced capacity for essential trips only. Services will operate as per the Saturday/Public Holiday timetable across region. At Level 4, travel is restricted to essential workers and access to essential services so the service level and capacity is significantly reduced. Services operate to Sunday/Public Holiday timetable where available.
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 19. REGIONAL LAND TRANSPORT PLAN DEVELOPMENT UPDATE 19.1. Development of the Regional Land Transport Plan, 2021 is well underway. The Regional Transport Committee (RTC) approved the draft Plan for consultation at a special meeting held on 1 February 2021. Public consultation on the draft Plan is due to start on 9 February 2021 and will be open for submissions until 17 March 2021. Hearings and deliberations will then be held on 8 and 9 April 2021. 19.2. Development of the Regional Land Transport Plan has been an inclusive process with political representatives across the region feeding into the Plan through the Regional Transport Committee and technical officers being involved via the Regional Advisory Group. Through the development process, feedback from the Passenger Transport Committee was relayed via PTC representatives on the RTC and changes were made to the strategic objectives, policies and investment priorities as a result of this feedback. 19.3. The Plan has features objectives and investment priorities aimed towards enabling mode- shift and improving availability of mode choice. If we are successful with this, we should see improvement in environmental outcomes such as reductions in carbon emissions, which aligns with Government’s vision in this space. 19.4. Stemming from the strategic direction and investment priorities are a suite of activities that various agencies have submitted for inclusion in the Plan and funding through the National Land Transport Fund. These activities must align with the strategic direction of the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and Government Policy Statement on land transport in order to secure funding via the National Land Transport Fund. 19.5. Activities that meet the definition of significance are identified and prioritised in the RLTP. In this version of the RLTP, there are 19 significant activities ranging from roading improvements to public transport, cycle ways pand safety improvements. For the Committee’s information, the significant activities relating to public and active transport are listed below: Capital Connection Passenger Rail service (procurement of new rolling stock and service frequency increases) – Ranked number 4 by the RTC Palmerston North Urban Bus Terminal Redevelopment - Ranked 7th equal by the RTC Palmerston North to Feilding Shared Path – Ranked 7th equal by the RTC Manawatū River Bridge (State Highway 3) to Ashhurst Cycleway – Ranked 9th equal by the RTC State Highway 1, cycling / active transport facilities – Foxton/Levin area (safe cycling options associated with the Whirokino Trestle bridge upgrades) – Ranked 9th equal by the RTC 19.6. There is also a full list of activities submitted by TAs and Waka Kotahi which include a range of local walking and cycling improvements under the Low Cost Low Risk activity class of the National Land Transport Programme. 19.7. Members of the public are invited to share their views on the draft plan, including the strategic direction and list of activities. The full plan, a summary and submission form will be available on Horizons website and is being sent to TAs for sharing on their online platforms. Promotion will occur via newspaper adverts and social media platforms. Hard copies of the Plan can be printed from the website or provided on request. 19.8. Following development of the RLTP, the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) will be updated. The RPTP is an operational plan guided by the strategic direction of the RLTP. Development of the new RPTP is due to commence this financial year.
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Passenger Transport Committee 16 February 2021 19.9. Members are reminded that should they have feedback regarding the RLTP development process or detail, they should make this known to the their respective council representative sitting on the Regional Transport Committee
20. SIGNIFICANCE 20.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council’s Policy on Significance and Engagement.
James Miguel Jayme Anderson TRANSPORT PLANNER TRANSPORT PLANNER
Leana Shirley Isaac Mills SENIOR TRANSPORT PLANNER TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ADVISOR
Rhona Hewitt MANAGER TRANSPORT SERVICES
ANNEXES There are no attachments for this report.
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