The Campaign For Better Transport

The New Zealand Herald reports that Infratil is due to launch its electronic public transport ticket system, Snapper, on its NZ Bus services. Meanwhile the Auckland Regional Transport Authority is poised to agree the system with the French electronic firm Thales, which will allow passengers to transfer between buses, trains or ferries using a single smartcard. Things are getting very interesting in the integrated ticketing space.

A new website has just come online promoting the ANZAC Centenary Bridge, and includes a feasibility study.

NZ Herald reports:

Waterfront trams are being tipped as key Auckland tourist attractions, with a possible later benefit for public transport.

Although the Auckland Regional Council has no plans for a modern light rail network to serve commuters, its transport committee voted yesterday to press on with an investigation of potential tram routes through the Tank Farm to Britomart.

A staff feasibility report prepared after an approach by the Campaign for Better Transport and the Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) said Auckland’s waterfront was a major destination and attraction for residents and visitors alike, and should be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Over at the forum, I asked the question what would make a good fare structure for Auckland.  Given the recent news that the Snapper system is coming to Auckland next year, I think it is important to focus on what would really make a difference to the average punter using buses, trains and ferries in the Auckland region.

Personally I’m drawn to the idea of fare caps, which is how I understand it works in London. In this scenario, punters are charged when they get on their first trip, but as they get on subsequent trips during the day they aren’t charged over a certain fare cap amount ($5 for example).

Anyhow, the post got a really great response from loose_shunter, “a fares policy person” over at the Victorian Department of Transport. It’s well thought out and informative, so I’ve posted it here as an article.  ARTA, employ that person!

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The Waikato times reports:

Hamilton East MP David Bennett was told to “get real” and “keep it shortish” when he faced a public meeting championing a commuter train between Hamilton and Auckland last night.

The National MP took the brunt of criticism over the Government’s lack of support for the service when he reiterated that the $1 billion Waikato Expressway was his priority and he was “not opposed” to a train service in the long-term.

About 100 people gathered at the meeting at Hamilton City Council, run by Campaign for Better Transport, to show their support for reinstating a commuter train on the main trunk line between Hamilton and Auckland – an initiative which would need between $700,000 and $1 million in Government funding to get it back on track.