Bay benefits from fare deal

Tasman District Council has confirmed that the proposed shared pathway at Pōhara will go ahead as planned, despite some strong local opposition.

Several of the township’s business owners – most notably Dave Hix (Pōhara On the Spot), Gene Cooper (Top 10 Holiday Park), and Amy Mangan (Molly B’s) – along with numerous members of the community, have expressed concern over the loss of car parking and highlighted safety issues associated with the route. Over the past three months, opponents of the scheme have attempted to persuade TDC to consider alternatives by making a complaint to council and speaking at GB Community Board (GBCB) public forum.

Unhappy with a “full and final” response from TDC CEO Janine Dowding the campaigners organised a public meeting in Pōhara on King’s Birthday which attracted around 70 people ( GBW , 9/6). The discussions showed that, while there was support for a shared path, loss of car parking was a major issue. The overriding criticism, however, was the perceived lack of meaningful consultation undertaken by TDC.

Subsidised public transport has arrived in Golden Bay.

Starting this week, Golden Bay Coachlines is offering cut price fares on the Tākaka-Motueka leg of its thrice-weekly Nelson service.

The 50 per cent fare reduction, which is being trialled until 30 September, has been made possible by a subsidy from Tasman District Council (TDC). The trial comes at a time when TDC, in conjunction with Nelson City Council, is rolling out a new fleet of 17 electric buses on six routes – all on the other side of Tākaka Hill.

The joint council “eBus” initiative, supported by funding from central Government and Waka Kotahi, will provide regular services between major centres including Motueka, Wakefield, Richmond, and Nelson from 1 August. But the service terminates at Motueka, leaving Golden Bay outside the current lowfare zone – a situation GB Coachlines general manager Arthur Clarence considered unfair, prompting him to ask TDC for a re-think.

Arthur says the council responded positively. “They have been good – they really came on board.” The subsidy arrangement struck between TDC and GB Coachlines means adults can now travel between Tākaka and Motueka for $16 one-way. The equivalent fare for 5-14-year-olds is $6, while under-5s go free.

This is substantially higher than the $6 maximum eBus fare but, according to TDC’s transportation planning advisor Jane Murray, this is because “there is only limited fixed funding available to subsidise the Tākaka to Motueka service, a higher subsidy would have resulted in a fewer subsidised bus rides”.

On arrival at Motueka, passengers continuing to Nelson have the choice of switching to a multi-stop eBus service (after 1 August) or staying on the GB Coachlines “express” calling at Richmond and Nelson Airport only on its way to Nelson city centre.

The timing of the agreement is ideal, says Arthur. “With the school holidays coming up… you can get to Motueka by 10am and come back at 1pm.”

To restrict the subsidy to locals, passengers must be residents in Golden Bay, Motueka, or environs. “If you are not an existing customer, we may ask for proof of address,” explains Arthur.

Prospective travellers also need to follow a few other simple rules; the reduced fares are not available online, but need to be booked by phone, in person, or by emailing the GB Coachlines office. Alternatively, customers can turn up at the departure location and pay the driver, but this is subject to availability.

Whether the subsidy arrangement, which is due to expire at the end of September, continues depends on passenger numbers and available funding, says Jane. “Tasman District Council is exploring funding options with Waka Kotahi. Bus patronage will also help determine the viability of extending the trial so we would encourage the community to use the service and provide us feedback.”

Arthur concurs and hopes uptake will be sufficient for TDC to continue the agreement. “We’re targeted to locals, and we want to keep the service going for the people of Golden Bay, but it depends on it being supported.”

For further information, or to make a booking: visit the GB Coachlines office, 98 Commercial Street Tākaka, ph 525 8352 (Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm), email info@ gbcoachlines.co.nz, or send a request through www.goldenbaycoachlines.co.nz.

See bus timetable on page 4.

Neither TDC nor the GBCB sent representatives to the meeting, but the council’s communications and change manager Chris Choat said, earlier this week, that nothing new had emerged. “We are aware of the meeting which was attended by both opponents and supporters. None of the material supplied from the meeting has given us any options that have not already been explored.”

He explained safety considerations had been paramount in TDC’s decision-making. “As the agency responsible for ensuring safer environments, we have a duty to ensure the risk of accidents is minimised for those using the District’s infrastructure. As the owner of the campground, shop and road reserve, we recognise the proposed solution is the safest option and requires the least change and cost to ratepayers within the current environment.”

Speaking to The GB Weekly on Tuesday this week, Dave Hix said that, in addition to contacting the Ombudsman about the council’s consultation process, there were plans to gauge the opinion of the wider community regarding TDC’s longer term strategy for cycleways and car parking. “We are organising a survey to get in front of most people in Golden Bay; to find out what they think about what’s going on with the roadways.”