Transport expert warns against continued focus on roads

Smart Transport Forum Speakers (l-r) Darren Davis, Patrick Reynolds, and Tyler Golly. Photo / Andrew Warner

If Tauranga keeps spending money on roads and not public transport, it will be an "absolute disaster".

That was the view of Patrick Reynolds, of the transport advocacy group Greater Auckland, at yesterday's Smart Transport Forum held at the Club Mount Maunganui.

The reoccurring theme of yesterday's forum was to decrease car use and provide more reliable public transport.

Reynolds was joined by fellow guest speakers Darren Davis of the Auckland City Council and engineer Tyler Golly from Stantec Canada.

Reynolds warned that if Tauranga kept spending money on state roads and not on public transport systems it would be an "absolute disaster".

"You mustn't wait until you are Auckland-sized before you try to turn this ship around."

Reynolds was in favour of Tauranga improving its bus system and he saw "real opportunity" to provide a good rapid transit network in the city.

"Ideally, definitely get a bus rapid transit system on Cameron Rd, like, tomorrow," he said.

About 180 people attended the forum, which included representatives from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Smart Growth, Priority 1, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Davis pleaded with the audience: "Please, please don't do what Auckland has done.

"It has taken us 15 years of fixing Auckland's transport system. The later you start the journey, the harder it will be to fix."

Davis said because of the layout of Tauranga some commuters were faced with very long trips to school, tertiary education and work.

He advised upgrading the city's bus system first then focus on other options such as rail.

"Start with what you've got, build the bus system and the patronage first."

Golly, shared his experience of developing the successful bike system in Edmonton, Canada, how a similar one could work for Tauranga.

He said through learning from other cities such as Edmonton and community support from business and residents, it could be possible.

Sustainable Business Network Bay of Plenty regional manager and forum organiser Glen Crowther said the main concern the audience had with the current transport system was the "lack of good alternative modes of transport".

Clare Cassidy, from Tauranga City Council said if Tauranga continued to be the "most car-dependent city in New Zealand", it would lead to more emissions and an unmanageable investment for the city.