Effectiveness

Introduction

For the latest information, please see the Assessment Framework for the 2015-18 NLTP.

The effectiveness assessment factor considers the contribution that the proposed solution makes to achieving the potential identified in the strategic fit assessment, and to the purpose and objectives of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.

Higher ratings are provided for those proposals that provide long-term, integrated and enduring solutions.

In addition, transport related activities which mitigate or reduce vulnerabilities of essential transport networks, known as Lifelines, will enable Approved Organisations and the NZTA (state highways) to justify an improved effectiveness rating if local and regional network plans are supported by the NZTA.

Evidence

Sufficient evidence must be provided to support the effectiveness rating. This includes as appropriate:

• project feasibility report (PFR A report, which provides a simple, rapid method of analysis to facilitate the identification of economically viable projects. )
• a study report
• a strategy/business case report
• an Activity Management Plan (AMP An activity management plan prepared in accordance with clause 2 of schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 2002, or a similar plan.
  Activity management planning considers the assets in the context of the services they are supporting, and clarifies the purpose for holding the asset. The goal of good asset management is to support the delivery of a level of service (whatever the service may be) in the most cost effective manner, taking long term sustainability into account.
  Activity Management Plans Plans describe the tactics to give effect to a strategy. They are specific in content, action oriented and outputs focussed, resulting in a tangible set of activities to be delivered within a clear timeframe. should be based on the National Asset Management Steering (NAMS) Group's International infrastructure management manual. )
• a Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP A plan which specifies how the regional council intends to give effect to the public transport service components of the regional land transport plan that applies to the region. As of June 2013, the contents and management of the plan is defined by Part 5 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003. )
• a scheme assessment report (SAR A detailed report that includes a precise problem definition, a description of options available to address the problem, a project evaluation, an assessment of environmental impacts, and a recommendation. )
• a recognised regional or local lifelines transport network study.

NZTA supported strategy, endorsed package, programme or plan

When seeking inclusion of a project in the NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied , completed strategies may be considered 'supported/endorsed' pending application to the NZTA for its support.

At the time of funding approval of individual projects, the strategy must have been supported by the NZTA in order to meet the relevant medium and high criteria.

For transport planning activities, which develop and strengthen the strategic framework, the NZTA does not require a supported or endorsed lead document - however its relationship to the existing strategic framework should be identified.

Key definitions

Items in bold are common terms used in the identification of effectiveness. These terms are defined in the glossary.

Default rating for Work category 001

The default rating for Work category 001: Regional land transport planning management is high and no further assessment is required as set out below.

For all other activities, an assessment is required as set out below, i.e. there is no default rating for effectiveness.

No rating

When there is no supporting evidence, or the assessment has not been conducted, no rating will be given.

No rating will be given if the activity does not meet the minimum requirements of the low rating set out below.

Requirements for low rating

To achieve a low rating, all activities or combinations of activities must provide evidence to demonstrate that they deliver on each of the following:

• the potential impact or outcome identified in the 'strategic fit' assessment
• an agreed level of service A level of service agreed with the NZTA for funding (in the current NLTP) or planning (for future NLTP periods) For roading the agreed levels of service means the maintenance target values for the particular road group set out in the NZTA's Maintenance guidelines for local roads, or as otherwise agreed with the NZTA.
• the purpose and objectives of the LTMA The Land Transport Management Act 2003, as amended from time to time.
• has considered or will consider:
  • all relevant problems, issues and opportunities
  • all appropriate alternatives A strategic option that may encompass a mix of modes and/or high level routes and/or land use options. Alternatives would be considered during strategy development, with the preferred alternative being selected and taken through into package and project development. and options
  • opportunities for collaboration
  • any adverse effects or impacts
• is an affordable Demonstrates that adequate funding to deliver the activity, or combination of activities, is available from identified sources, e.g. a funding plan has been identified. solution with a funding plan
• avoids duplication of activities
• the scale of the proposed solution is appropriate to the potential impact or outcome in the strategic fit assessment
• includes a monitoring and review framework in plans and strategies, and other activities where appropriate.

Requirements for medium rating

An activity or a combination of activities may be given a medium rating for effectiveness if evidence is provided to demonstrate that it meets each of the following:

• all the low effectiveness criteria
• is part of or will contribute to an NZTA supported strategy, endorsed package, programme or plan (for inclusion to the NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied a completed strategy that will be presented to the NZTA for support in the near future may be considered sufficient)
• is significantly effective (will deliver a measurable impact or outcome) in achieving the potential impact or outcome identified in the ‘strategic fit’ assessment.
• provides a long term solution with enduring benefits appropriate to the scale of the solution
• provides a solution that responds to land use strategies and implementation plans, where appropriate to the activity
• provides a solution that makes a contribution to multiple GPS A Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding issued under section 86 of the LTMA impacts, where appropriate to the activity.

Requirements for high rating

A high rating for effectiveness must only be given if evidence is provided to demonstrate that the activity or combination of activities delivers on each of the following:

• covers all of the low and medium effectiveness criteria
• is a key component of an NZTA-supported strategy, endorsed package, programme or plan (for inclusion to the NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied a completed strategy that will be presented to the NZTA for support in the near future may be considered sufficient) 
• is part of a whole-of-network approach
• improves integration within and between transport modes, where appropriate to the activity
• provides a strategic approach that successfully integrates land transport, land use, other infrastructure and activities, where appropriate to the activity
• supports networks from a national perspective, where appropriate to the activity
• provides a strategic approach that makes a significant contribution to multiple GPS A Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding issued under section 86 of the LTMA impacts, where appropriate to the activity
• is optimised against multiple transport outcomes and objectives
• adopts a collaborative approach to the development of studies, strategies and plans.

Assessment of incremental effectiveness

Assessment of incremental effectiveness is required for option selection, optimisation (other than between projects within packages) and scope change proposals.