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Focuses on dramatically increasing public transport mode share from 6% to over 25% by 2029, prioritizing frequency improvements on existing routes before expansion. As an active cyclist familiar with infrastructure gaps, he supports joined-up cycle paths, slower residential streets safe for children, and emphasizes the health and wellbeing benefits of active transport while acknowledging these issues fall primarily under DCC rather than ORC jurisdiction.
In recent decades Dunedin’s buses have become better and this has been reflected in increased patronage. Currently the percentage of people who take the bus for commuting is about 6%, which while much better than previously leaves a log to be desired. I’d like to see public transport mode share (busses and possibly trains) grow to more than 25% by 2029.
On a public transport route, frequency and reliability are important. Reliability has improved significantly since the post-covid time when there was a shortage of drivers. Frequency is still too low on many of our routes. The priority must be getting more passengers on our existing buses and increasing frequency on our existing routes before expanding to new routes. There are some good ideas for new routes (e.g. within Oamaru and regional connectors from Dunedin to Oamaru and Balclutha,) but they should be secondary to doubling or quadrupling the use of our current network.
Likewise walking and cycling should be encouraged. The fitness and well-being benefits of cycling and walking are huge, and underestimated by most people. I find it’s an absolute joy to be fit and on a long bike ride, and runners sometimes experience the same thing. But health and mental well-being benefits of cycling and walking (especially in green spaces) are immediate regardless of fitness levels. We need to provide new opportunities for people to walk, cycle and take the bus while reducing and calming traffic.
To achieve this vision, we need joined-up transport planning between the territorial authorities (e.g. DCC & QLDC) and the Otago Regional Council.
That infrastructure falls mainly on the territorial authorities (e.g. DCC). The ORC though has a role in mitigating climate change, and on regional transport planning. So, we’d be involved by identifying ways to reduce co2 emissions from the wider transport system including encouraging active and public transport and working with the territorial authorities to provide the necessary infrastructure.
Personally, I often ride to Mosgiel through Green Island, and to both sides of the harbour. I’d love the cycle paths in the city to be joined up and brought up to a reasonable standard. (e.g. The intersection of Main south road and Winifred Street, supposedly on the main cycle route south, is a shocking one for cyclists. Not to mention the stop-start “cycleway” along Wharf Street.) It’s only when you ride a bike often that you realize how car-centric our transport infrastructure is.
These are not issues I expect to be directly involved in on the ORC, but I’m all for better active transport opportunities wherever we can.
I would love to have less traffic noise in the Dunedin. I often walk enveloped in the green surroundings of the bush in Jubilee Park. The sound of birdsong there unfortunately competes with the incessant roar of cars and trucks. I’m not sure much can be done about that, but it would be great to have slower residential streets that are safe for our children, cyclists and walkers.
Again these are things for the DCC, but I’m supportive of more emphasis on public and active transport.
Thanks for your work on this.
Noho ora mai,
Alex King