Plenty of suggestions to improve bus services

WGP 23Apr15 - DRIVING IMPROVEMENTS: Horizons' Regional Council have received a number of submissions in relation to the bus services they provide.

Horizons Regional Council's bus services have received a number of suggestions for improvement in a meeting held for submissions to the draft Regional Transport Plan.

Seventeen verbal submissions were heard at the meeting, which were received in addition to 28 written submissions. The majority of the verbal submissions were in regards to bus services.

The public meeting, chaired by councillor Rachel Keedwell, included submissions from various groups such as surrounding District Councils, International Pacific College, taxi and companion driver services, MidCentral Health and Environment Network Manawatu.

Athol Gibson and Jean Thompson-Church of the Bunnythorpe Community Committee talked about how the bus service through Bunnythorpe was always 15 minutes late, which made UCOL students late for class. They suggested a Sunday bus service between Feilding and Palmerston North, and brought up safety concerns around the Stoney Creek Road and Cleverly Line intersection.

Environment Network Manawatu's Beth Tolley was concerned about the safety of cyclists on the road around buses. "We suggest bus drivers have training on driving while cyclists are on the road."

She also requested some bus routes were renamed to make them less confusing and buses between Feilding and Palmerston North were made more frequent.

Councillor Hamish McDouall of the Wanganui District Council proposed a commuter bus service between Wanganui and Palmerston North. "Our data shows around 1200 people are commuting each day so there's need for such a service."

Deputy mayor of Levin and Horowhenua District councillor Garry Good brought the case of the Total Mobility Scheme being made open to private operators. He hoped Horizons' would consider the option as it would provide more transport options for Manawatu people with reduced mobility.

The Total Mobility Scheme currently provides financial assistance to elderly and disabled people for transport but is only approved in the region for taxi companies.

Councillor Good said they were also 100 per cent behind Horizons' bid to keep the Capital Connection.

"We strongly support the retention of the commuter service and wholeheartedly support any proposals put forward from Horizons."

Deliberations will be taking place on May 5 with the final plan to be approved and adopted by Horizons at the next available meeting.