Thousands engage with new public transport plan

With less than a week to go, thousands of people have engaged with the ideas in the Regional Public Transport Plan.

Greater Christchurch Public Transport Joint Committee member and Environment Canterbury chair Steve Lowndes says that more than 300 submissions have been received so far, while more than 8000 people have completed quick polls.

"We've made a concerted effort to reach people right across the community, attending markets, events and expos and talking with people about the details within the plan," he says.

The consultation has encouraged feedback in a number of ways, from written submissions to online surveys and quick polls at events.

"As well as formal submissions, we've introduced short polls as a way to start the conversation and to gather informal feedback. Taking less than a minute to complete, they help us to understand which aspects of the Regional Public Transport Plan our community would like prioritised," says Lowndes.

"The response from the public has been highly positive, with many comments to our staff that they appreciate the fact that the Joint Committee agencies are working so cohesively together to make decisions about the future of public transport in Greater Christchurch."

The public consultation closed on Sunday 14 October. It contained suggestions for the visionary change needed to create a healthier and more environmentally sustainable city and region.

Information and a full list of community events are available at ConnectCanterbury.co.nz or by calling 03 366 8855.