Opinion: Give us cycle stations, water shuttles, rail systems and trams in Tauranga

More money needs to be spent to give Tauranga better public transport options. Photo / George Novak

Cycle stations, water taxis or shuttles, rail systems, trams and buses.

These are public transport systems offered in many places around the world - and they seem to work. They alleviate traffic congestion, provide members of the public with reliable transport options, and they also encourage people to get outside a lot more.

There are so many benefits to an excellent public transport network.

When I visit a new city, I love getting around on public transport, seeing the place as the locals do.

I've ridden the bus to work in Tauranga before, but unfortunately, the service doesn't suit my lifestyle enough to use it daily.

I don't like to drive and don't want the hassle of finding a carpark, so if there were more public transport options in Tauranga, I'd consider using public transport to get around more often.

But to make that happen in a way that is worthwhile, a coalition of local community groups says Tauranga needs billions of dollars to bring the city's public transport network moving into the 21st century.

The Bay of Plenty Times published a story this week about 20 groups backing a $3 billion action plan for a congestion-free public transport network in Tauranga within the next decade.

The groups are leaning on the Tauranga City Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to fast-track major public and alternative transport projects, urging them to apply for more significant shares of the transport funding offered by the coalition Government.

It could include free buses for all children, commuter ferries in the harbour, passenger rail, rapid transport buses, ridesharing and cycleways, with the aim to make public transport faster and cheaper than cars at peak times for most people.

How good would this be?

More foot traffic of people going in between their destination and public transport hubs may not only alleviate traffic congestion, but it can also create more buzz in the city, which can only be a good thing - surely?

I can't see any negatives about this plan.

Anything that makes a city appear more lively, makes getting around easier and reduces the time you spend on the road, I'm here for.