Public Transport Wish List

Looking back at my post before last I see that I've mentioned my 'wish list' for Christchurch in terms of improving public transport. So I thought id flesh it out and pop it on here to compare with what is currently on offer and see how on the money I am. Note that this is aimed to be a list of projects realistically obtainable within a five year period. Anyway here it is;

• Bus lanes on Papanui, Colombo, Riccarton, Sumner, New Brighton, Queenspark and Lincoln routes.
• Metrocard top-ups off buses.
• Park and ride at Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Rolleston and Lincoln.
• Cycle lock-up facilities at key locations allowing 'cycle and ride'.
• Suburban bus interchanges with waiting lounges, real time info, security and Metro help desks at key nodes including: Riccarton, Papanui, Shirley, Linwood and Hornby.
• Ferry terminal and bus interchange at Lyttelton.
• Upgrade and extension of CBD tram aimed at opening up the city centre to locals and visitors (including use of metrocard on tram).
• Investigation into future light rail routes on busy bus routes.
• Investigation into utilising existing three rail lines for heavy commuter rail.
  

Most of these measures are reasonable to expect in the next five years (note the final two are investigations only) and all would certainly make public transport a more feasible transport option for Christchurch commuters as well as making the city a much friendlier place to get around for locals and visitors alike.

In addition, most of my proposed bus lanes have been announced recently, which is excellent, while tenders have already been called for a new integrated smart ticketing system which should see top-ups made off buses when implemented. Park and ride at Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Rolleston is now beyond investigation and is waiting for funding as too is the Lyttelton ferry terminal and some suburban bus interchanges. Moves towards investigating light-rail and commuter rail have both shown promise in recent years with Christchurch mayor Bob Parker being a keen advocate.

All in all I think that my list is relatively on the pulse. It's a good, realistic, blueprint of what we need and can achieve in the next five years. However, with the pace things have been moving, coupled with uncertainty over funding (not helped by the withdrawal of a regional fuel tax), don't be surprised if we are kept waiting. Over the next few days I'm going to try and flesh out a few of the issues on the wish list, in particular the proposals for the CBD tram. Also, Christchurch has benefitted recently from the announcement of the Government's 'roads of national significance', with a number of projects getting the hurry-up and national funding. I will discuss the good, bad and ugly of that as well but until then, keep your powder dry.