Ōhariu MP Peter Dunne says proposed changes to bus routes in Wellington’s northern suburbs are causing concern.
“I have already been approached by constituents about changes to Route 54 to Churton Park and Routes 43 and 44 through Khandallah.
“In both cases, the criticisms are similar: the proposed changes do not meet the expectations of passengers and are likely to add to travel times to the city.
“The Churton Park Community Association estimates proposed changes to Route 54 will leave about 2,800 local residents living further away from a bus stop than they do now.
“And the abolition of Routes 43 and 44 through Khandallah will leave residents living north of Khandallah Village facing longer travel times into Wellington.
“The upshot in both instances will most likely mean more people switching to their cars to go to work at the very time when the emphasis should be on promoting public transport options,” Mr Dunne says.
Mr Dunne says he is disappointed the Greater Wellington Regional Council is not holding a consultation meeting in the northern suburbs to give locals an opportunity tio discuss the changes.
“Meetings are being held by the Council in Wellington city and Tawa, but not the northern suburbs, which is a mistake,” he says.
Submissions on the proposed changes close on 9 May, but Mr Dunne is calling on the Council to hold off any consideration of changes to northern suburbs bus routes until there can be full consultation with local residents through Council convened public meetings in the area.