Community feedback sought on the future of Hutt Valley bus services

Community feedback sought on the future of Hutt Valley bus services

Greater Wellington is asking Hutt Valley residents to help shape the future of their local bus network as part of a review of services across the valley.

The bus network review, which opens for public feedback on 17 August and runs until 6 September, aims to balance community needs, accessibility, affordability and long-term sustainability.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Chair Ros Connelly says the review is about understanding what matters most to people before any decisions are made.

"The way people travel changes over time, and it's important our public transport network evolves with our communities," says Cr Connelly.

"We're considering a range of options across the Hutt Valley, including some service reductions, new connections and potential service improvements, and we want to hear directly from the people who use these services."

"Community feedback will play a key role in helping us understand local priorities and shape recommendations for Council," adds Cr Connelly.

The review examines how the network can best balance factors such as service frequency, route coverage, connections between services, access to key destinations, and affordability for ratepayers and passengers.

Greater Wellington’s Public Transport Committee Deputy Chair Tom James says the review is an opportunity for residents to have their say on the trade-offs involved in designing a public transport network.

"There are always competing priorities when planning public transport services. Some people value having a bus stop close to home, while others prioritise faster journeys, more frequent services or better connections. We want to understand what matters most to Hutt Valley communities," says Cr James.

Following engagement, feedback from the community will be published and considered alongside customer research, operational and financial analysis to help inform recommendations presented to Council later this year.

The community can review the bus network options and have their say online, through a survey, and by speaking with staff at community drop-in sessions from 17 August to 6 September.

For more information on the bus network options visit www.metlink.org.nz/hutt-bus-review