Otago Regional Council — bus route update
Representatives from the Otago Regional Council attended the meeting to brief the board on upcoming changes to local bus routes.
Implementation lead Julian Phillips, along with transport advisers Sumit Saini and Christine Rout, presented an update on planned bus service routes and improvements affecting the Mosgiel-Taieri area.
The representatives provided information on the new changes to routes in Mosgiel coming in July, in particular the replacement of the current bus loop routes 80 and 81 with an all-electric on-demand service. People will be able to phone or use an app to book the on-demand service which, while it is not a door-to-door service, will allow for a larger number of pick-up and drop-off locations. The service will also reduce unnecessary transport costs, as instead of a fixed loop service running despite low or no passengers, the on-demand service has the ability to calculate a more efficient route based on passengers’ requests.
Questions from the board members included clarifying if people who did not use the mobile phone app would still be able to book the service. It was confirmed an option to phone and book the on-demand service will be available, although some features of the app will not be available over the phone, such as receiving notifications when the on-demand bus is close to arriving.
Go Bus will operate a fleet of 13 electric buses from a newly electrified bus depot in Dukes Rd and the operation will be carbon neutral.
Transportation Update
Dunedin City Council group manager for transport Jeanine Benson provided an update on transport issues.
During the next nine years a renewal programme will look at existing assets.
"I’m pleased to say that for the next nine years we have a renewal programme that meets what the asset needs in terms of replacement."
Ms Benson acknowledged the council had struggled with funding on the maintenance contract this year, in particular around vegetation.
With about a 24% increase in CPI in five years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, this had put a strain on the maintenance budget.
Ms Benson also drew attention to some of the transport plans in the council’s draft nine-year plan, such as the Mosgiel park and ride scheme, and highlighted there was still time to provide feedback on the draft plan.
Feedback closes at noon on Wednesday, April 30.
Christmas event a success
Taieri Network community connector Teresa Christie provided the board with an update on the network’s Very Taieri Christmas event, detailing the outcomes of the event the board contributed funds of $1000 towards costs.
The event successfully engaged the community through various activities and fostered a sense of community and connection, she said.
Mrs Christie also provided information on current and future activities of the network and shared it had secured a new location for the organisation on Gordon Rd.
"It is a really highly visible site and will enhance that community engagement and accessibility."
Funds for Outward Bound
The board has granted $1000 to Amana Christian School on behalf of 17-year-old student Johannah Horrell, towards the costs of taking part in an Outward Bound Mind, Body, Soul leadership course.
Speaking to her application, Johannah said the course would include a range of challenges and skills-based learning.
"Not only will it help me with my physical and mental capabilities, but also my leadership skills and my confidence."
