Future public transport options
By 2051, Queenstown's daily population in the peak tourist season is expected to almost double to 204,000 people.
There will be 78,000 residents and around 126,000 tourists according to the estimates.
With that in mind, the agencies responsible for the Whakatipu Basin's public transport network are developing a 30-year plan to meet demand and give people a solid alternative to cars.
And they're canvassing the public's views on possible options, through several community drop-in sessions and an online survey.
One of the main questions is whether Queenstown should be served by high capacity express buses, along similar routes as today, or by services which use Frankton as a main hub (see options below).
The role of ferry services is also up for debate, including the frequency and capacity.
Otago Regional Council's transport manager Lorraine Cheyne says because Queenstown is one of the country's fastest growing areas, the transport system is constantly facing growth pressures.
"This engagement is really important because it’s looking closely at how best to use buses and ferries and the investment decisions we’ll all need to make over the next 15 plus years," she says.
"We need to create a safe and resilient network where public transport, walking and cycling can mesh together as people’s first transport choice to get around easily and conveniently.
"Queenstown’s current growth is evident with bus use hitting 85% of pre-pandemic levels, from the on-going surge of residents and visitor numbers."
Otago Regional Council, which currently manages to Orbus service is part of the multi-agency collaboration Way to Go, which is developing the 30-year transport plan known as the Queenstown Public Transport Business Case.
It also includes Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
They've commissioned a specialist team of transport planners and advisors from WSP New Zealand and Australia, including public transport and decarbonisation experts.
They will be available to answer any questions about the Business Case and its proposed public transport options at the public drop-in sessions, listed below.
Community feedback will be considered by the partners in Way to Go, and the public will be updated in early 2024.
Option 1 is designated 'Minimal transfers' and is similar to the current network where many journeys can be accomplished without having to transfer. It has three routes working together to provide frequent service on Frankton Road (SH6A) between central Queenstown and the Frankton Bus Hub.
Option 2 is designated 'Town Centre to Jack’s Point' with connections to other routes at the Frankton Bus Hub.
The Business Case proposes to retain the existing ferry service between Steamer Wharf, Frankton Marina, Bayview, and the Hilton Queenstown, but the frequency and span of services could be improved in the future.
QLDC transport strategy manager and Way to Go programme manager Tony Pickard says public transport is a hot topic around the Whakatipu Basin, and that residents and visitors alike are passionate about greater access to buses and ferries.
"The Queenstown Public Transport Business Case will be an important part of ensuring we make the right investment in the right services for the community," he says.
"Which is why it’s vital as many people as possible find out more about the public transport proposals we’re putting forward and have their say to make sure we’re considering all our current and potential future users when decisions are made."
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager Richard Osborne stressed the importance of this work and the desire to provide greater transport options for people in Queenstown and its surrounding townships.
Drop-in sessions
Frankton Bus Hub
Thursday, 21 Sept, 10am-2.30pm
Stanley Street Bus Hub Kiosk
Thursday, 21 Sept, 4-6pm
Arrowtown Community Centre
Saturday, 23 Sept, 10am-2pm
Queenstown Market at Steamer Wharf
Saturday, 30 Sept, 9am-2pm
The on-line survey will be available from 18 September.
View the current bus and ferry service here: https://www.orc.govt.nz/public-transport/queenstown-buses-and-ferries
