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Greater Wellington Regional Council Regional Public Transport Plan 2025 - 2035 Consultation

Posted in Regional; Tagged Transport, Accessibility; Posted 18 months ago by DPA Less than a minute to read

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To: Greater Wellington Regional Council
Date: March 2025

 

Purpose

The submission’s primary purpose is to advocate for a public transport network that is inclusive, safe, and fully accessible for all residents in the Greater Wellington region, especially given the anticipated population growth and ageing demographics which will lead to an increase in the disabled population. DPA provides recommendations across various aspects of the transport system, from bus stop design and priority seating to station redevelopment and fare structures, by ensuring the rights and needs of disabled people are integrated.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA supports Greater Wellington’s principles of seeking to build an efficient, equitable, accessible, affordable, and low carbon public transport network, particularly the principle of making public transport fully accessible. DPA notes that the region's disabled population is set to increase as the overall population ages.

DPA highlights continuing struggles with Total Mobility transport services, including poor mobility taxi service in Porirua, which leaves disabled people with few or no options. DPA also points out that current bus stop design is often not optimal, citing issues such as needing to cross cycle lanes to access stops, which poses a safety risk.

DPA recommends that existing bus shelter designs be improved to enhance accessibility, that bus stops are not placed across cycle lanes, and that all information at bus stops is available in large print, braille, and accessible real-time formats.

DPA also highlights the need for more thought on processes around gaining priority seating, especially for disabled people with invisible impairments, and recommends that they be given equitable ability to secure priority seating (e.g., via Total Mobility or Sunflower Card). They recommend that buses be required to pull in closer to the kerb to prevent unsafe embarking/disembarking due to significant gaps between footpath and bus.

DPA supports the creation of a high-frequency bus network on principle, but with the proviso that disabled people and disability organizations are fully consulted and involved as co-design partners. DPA does not support introducing a $5 charge for Metlink Park and Rides, arguing that these services should be viewed as part of the transport cost, not an additional expense that mainly impacts low-income disabled people.

DPA does not support permitting passengers to travel on buses and trains with pets (beyond disability service animals), as other animals can cause significant difficulties for highly trained service animals and their users. DPA believes that cash should not be entirely phased out on buses due to the digital divide disproportionately impacting disabled and lower-income groups.

 


Key Recommendation/Finding:

A crucial recommendation is that Waterloo Station is redeveloped and built according to universal design accessibility standards, and that disabled people and representatives from disability organisations act as co-design partners through direct representation on any project design group.

 


Supporting Statement 1:

Universal design ensures all aspects of the upgraded station are made accessible, including sizable lifts, travelators, wide doors, accessible bathrooms, suitable lighting, non-slip surfaces, and good wayfinding signage.

 


Supporting Statement 2:

Direct involvement of disabled people in the design process is imperative to ensure the hub truly improves the passenger experience and access to public transport for everyone, preventing potential accessibility issues.

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DPA Submission 2503 Greater Wellington Regional Council Regional Public Transport Plan Consultation (DOCX)

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