Strategic fit for public transport services

Introduction

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

This section sets out the guidance on assessing strategic fit for activities within the public transport services activity class.

The public transport services activity class includes:

• Work category 511:  Bus services
• Work category 512:  Passenger ferry services
• Work category 515:  Passenger rail services
• Work category 514:  Public transport facilities operations and maintenance
• Work category 524:  Public transport information supply, operations and maintenance
• Work category 517:  Total mobility operations
• Work category 519:  Wheelchair hoists
• Work category 521:  Total mobility wheelchair hoist use payments

Links to planning

The NZTA expects public transport programmes to be well linked to long-term planning documents, particularly Regional Public Transport Plans (RPTPs) and Long Term Plans (LTPs).  These documents should describe the assumptions underlying the programme and forecasts.

The forward programme and funding plan, including the impacts of the proposed services, ongoing operation costs and any major investment in public transport infrastructure required within the network, must be derived from the RPTP.

Approved Organisations must demonstrate how the proposed activities will help optimise the public transport network ensuring it is both effective and efficient.

Information provided to support public transport programmes should make reference to the relevant parts of these planning documents.

Default strategic fit

By default, the strategic fit rating for the public transport programme is low.

Requirements for medium rating

A component of a public transport programme may be given a medium rating for strategic fit if there is potential for a significant contribution to economic growth and productivity by linking people to employment or improving access to economic opportunities through significant improvements in one or more of:

• providing more transport choice in major urban areas, particularly for those with limited access to a car 
• transport interconnections and ease of changing modes in major urban areas
• safety and personal security of users of the public transport system
• reductions in adverse environmental effects from land transport

Requirements for high rating

A high rating for strategic fit must only be given to a component of a public transport programme if there is potential for a nationally significant contribution to economic growth and productivity by linking people to employment or improving access to economic opportunities through significant improvements in one or more of:

• Peak time public transport patronage in major urban areas for easing of severe congestion
• Optimising public transport services and infrastructure (including fare box recovery rates)