CommunityAction for People and Planet. P.O. Box 68, Motueka. Phone 021 174 0400 email : duncaneddy@yahoo.com
Here's CommunityAction's Draft Submission. Comments are welcome
Draft Submission on the TDC's Port Company Share Buy Back fund.
Submitter: CommunityAction for People and Planet.PO Box 68 Motueka Contact: Duncan Eddy, Coordinator. (An opportunity to speak in support of this submission in Motueka would be appreciated)
Submission:
Council should consider investing a small portion of the $12.5 million on a public transport feasibility study and bus trial to link outlying and urban areas in the district.
Investment in public transport will improve local social, environmental, and economic conditions. This proposal is prepared from the point of view of Motueka and environs, but this study should consider the needs of the whole District. Public transport is a highly credible use for a small percentage of the $12.5 million, because of factors including:
- Low incomes and higher fuel costs reducing access to regional facilities,
- The significant costs to ratepayers of maintaining local roading networks, and
- Emissions from private motor transport.
Public Transport in the Tasman District would:
Benefit Local People. - Save dollars on transport. - Increase access to the region. Increasing the use of ratepayer funded regional facilities such as sports parks, museums and swimming pools will offer ratepayers better value for the money invested in these facilities. Increasing Tasman district residents access to the beautiful natural area on our doorsteps, will obviously improve our quality of life.
Reduce Traffic Congestion and Emissions. - Well planned public transport will decrease traffic congestion in high traffic flow areas in peak time and decrease wear and tear on roads - An effective public transport system will reduce private vehicle emissions. This will improve ambient air quality.
Benefit Local Economy - A public transport network well used by visitors to the area will stimulate economies in towns and villages which are on the way to major and emerging tourist destinations.-A transport system that could be harnessed to service major sporting and cultural events would benefit these events, and present significant spikes in fares paid.
Who Would Use It?
Commuters. Many people around Motueka can only afford to maintain a mortgage on land here because they work in Nelson or Richmond . The travel costs of getting to work decreases the desirability of living in the area. Commuters will provide a steady source of usage of public transport.
Tourists. Well planned public transport would bring more income to small towns and tourist use of the service would subsidise local use.
Families, youth, and retired people. Locals will benefit greatly from increased access to amenities and natural treasures. Routes and timetables should be planned in direct conjunction with local schools, community groups like Grey Power and Youth Council, as well as Community Boards and Community Councils. The service should be planned to provide for local needs, by considering popular destinations, and the times of after school and recreation activities, major events, etc…