Key Takeaways
- The introduction of a new bus network in Hawke’s Bay has led to the proposal of 180 new bus stops in Hastings, with some residents expressing frustration and concern about the locations.
- The new bus stops are part of the Better Bus Routes network, which aims to improve public transport accessibility across the region.
- Some residents, such as Blair Kyle, are worried about the safety implications of having multiple bus stops near their homes, as well as the impact on parking and property values.
- The Hastings District Council has received over 100 responses to the proposed bus stops, with around three-quarters being positive or neutral and a quarter negative.
- The council has adjusted the locations of some bus stops based on feedback, but some residents feel that their concerns are being dismissed.
Introduction to the Issue
The introduction of a new bus network in Hawke’s Bay has sparked controversy among some Hastings residents, who are unhappy about the proposed locations of new bus stops. Blair Kyle, a resident of Flaxmere, is one such individual who is frustrated about the plan to install a bus stop outside his home, as well as another one directly across the road. Kyle believes that this is a waste of ratepayers’ money, especially considering that there is already an existing bus stop located less than 250 meters away. The new bus network, known as the Better Bus Routes, aims to improve public transport accessibility across the region, but some residents are concerned about the impact it will have on their daily lives.
The New Bus Network
The Better Bus Routes network is a significant step in improving public transport accessibility across the region, with clearer and easier-to-understand routes. The changes follow a review that led to the scrapping of the MyWay bus trial, and the new routes will trigger a need for new bus stops, which are Hastings District Council infrastructure. The council is in the process of getting the new bus stops in place, with a total of 180 new stops proposed in the city. The new bus plan will see up to 26 buses a day on Dundee Drive between 6am and 7pm on weekdays, with a reduced weekend timetable. However, some residents are worried about the safety implications of having multiple bus stops near their homes, as well as the impact on parking and property values.
Resident Concerns
Blair Kyle is not alone in his concerns about the proposed bus stops. He is worried about the safety of children who ride scooters on the footpath, as well as the impact on parking outside his property. Kyle drives a small truck and digger for work and often needs to park them outside his house, but the new bus stop will make it difficult for him to do so. He feels that his feedback, which was submitted to the council, was dismissed, and that the council is not taking into consideration the needs of residents. The council has received over 100 responses to the proposed bus stops, with around three-quarters being positive or neutral and a quarter negative. However, some residents feel that their concerns are being ignored, and that the council is not doing enough to address their worries.
Council Response
The Hastings District Council has responded to the concerns of residents, stating that the need for street parking was not taken into consideration as part of the review. The council spokesperson said that the road is a public space and is not for the dedicated use of an adjacent homeowner. The spokesperson also stated that the bus stops are not finalised, and that there is yet to be a council decision. However, in many cases, there are few options for alternative locations. The council has adjusted the locations of some bus stops based on feedback, but some residents feel that this is not enough. The council will continue to work with residents and businesses where there have been objections, and recommendations on the council’s agenda for its meeting on December 11 include approving the installation of bus stops where there have been no objections.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The introduction of the new bus network in Hawke’s Bay has sparked controversy among some Hastings residents, who are unhappy about the proposed locations of new bus stops. While the council has received feedback and has made some adjustments, some residents feel that their concerns are being ignored. The new bus routes are scheduled to start on the last weekend in January, ready for the start of the new school term and work year. It remains to be seen how the council will address the concerns of residents and whether the new bus network will be a success. The council’s decision on the bus stops will be made at its meeting on December 11, and it is likely that the issue will continue to be debated in the coming weeks and months.