Submissions for this consultation closed on 3 October 2008.
Purpose
The purpose of this consultation is to seek views from central government, government agencies, regional authorities such as regional councils, public transport operators, interest groups, the disability community and any other interested organisations or individuals on a draft New Zealand national minimum standard for urban buses used in public transport services.
Background
A project to develop an updated national minimum standard for urban buses was set up in the latter part of 2007 to enhance the attractiveness of public transport vehicles throughout New Zealand, to encourage increased patronage and in response to operator concerns about the lack of consistency of vehicle quality standards across different regions in New Zealand. Updating a national minimum standard was also seen as an opportunity to improve the accessibility of buses used in urban public transport services, which is beneficial for all users of these services.
The project has been jointly undertaken by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and the New Zealand Bus and Coach Association, with representation on the project team from the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Environment Canterbury, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, New Zealand Bus, Red Bus and Designline International Holdings (NZ).
Review of procurement
The review of vehicle quality standards is part of a wider review of procurement being undertaken by the NZTA. The final national minimum standard will form part of the procurement support guide being developed by the NZTA, and will become a condition for receiving NZTA funding for contracted public transport services.
Consultation process
A consultation period of six weeks is provided. Identified stakeholders have been emailed a copy of the document. The draft document is posted on this website, and a link to the draft document and this cover note is provided on the Bus and Coach Association New Zealand’s website (www.busandcoach.co.nz).
The NZTA welcomes the dissemination of the draft document by regional councils and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority to relevant regional stakeholders and individuals. The NZTA also welcomes the dissemination of the draft document by the Accessible Transport Action Committee to its representatives and stakeholders in the disability community.
While no formal presentations have been scheduled, the NZTA and the Bus and Coach Association New Zealand welcome invitations to present or discuss the document with interested groups. Requests for presentations or discussions should be made to the appropriate organisation.
Last updated: 20 October 2008
