Planning and investing in public transport

The NZ Transport Agency does not directly provide public transport, but enables the provision of these services through its planning and investment role, which includes:

providing guidance for regional councils in planning their networks and developing regional public transport plans
approving procurement procedures for public transport services
investing in public transport through the National Land Transport Programme
monitoring public transport performance and evaluating the Public Transport Operating Model
commissioning research to inform further policy making and public transport delivery
planning and investing to enable access for people with disabilities and people over 65.

In 2013, the government made changes to the Land Transport Management Act 2003(external link) to implement the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM). PTOM is a change to the planning, procurement and management of public transport which aims to grow patronage with less reliance on subsidy. A key focus is on a more collaborative approach between regional councils, territorial authorities and operators to improve network design and incentivise more investment to deliver improved services. This is currently being implemented by regional councils.

Planning for public transport

Good public transport network planning of services and infrastructure that meet passenger needs is critical to delivering the optimal transport solutions and outcomes.

Procurement of public transport services

One of our key roles is to approve procurement procedures designed to achieve best value for money under section 25 of the Land Transport Management Act 2003.

Investment in public transport

As part of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), we invest in public transport infrastructure and services provided by approved organisations (regional councils and territorial authorities).

Monitoring and evaluation

An important part of planning and investing in public transport is the monitoring process to ensure we are receiving best value for money from the government’s investment in the public transport.

Public transport research

We invest in innovative and relevant research which plays a critical role in contributing to the government's goals for transport. This summary provides an overview of research we have commissioned relevant to public transport.

Public transport for people with disabilities or over 65

We administer and support a range of policies to ensure people with disabilities or over 65 can utilise their local public transport services and/or complimentary mobility services.

Economic evaluation manual

The NZ Transport Agency's Economic evaluation manual (EEM) is the industry's standard for the economic evaluation of land transport activities for New Zealand. The EEM sets out economic evaluation procedures and values used in calculating benefits and costs, necessary for applications seeking investment where a benefit cost appraisal from the Transport Agency is mandatory.

Investment decision-making framework review

The Transport Agency uses its IDMF to develop, assess and prioritise funding transport investment proposals. The review of this framework has been prompted by changes in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2018 (GPS), which places more emphasis on social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes in transport planning.

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