An effective, efficient and attractive public transport system enables Palmy to achieve sustainable growth while delivering improved safety, city vibrancy and equitable access. A high quality, future-proofed transit hub linking people to services and opportunities is a key contributor to ensuring public transport is a viable option for many trips currently made by private car.
The existing bus terminal was constructed in the early 2000s to replace an earlier iteration. But it’s uncomfortable, discourages people from spending more time and visiting local businesses, and has constrained access for users with higher mobility requirements.
The ability for the current terminal to cater for increased demand in future is limited, and there is a negative perception of this area which can act as a significant barrier to public transport uptake. Several reviews of the strategy and concept design have been carried out since 2008, with the 2016 City Centre Streetscape Plan containing the most recent work to investigate improvements to the terminal.
A redeveloped transit hub and improved bus service – separately being reviewed by Horizons Regional Council – are key to the city and regional councils’ efforts to increase the take up of public transport over the long term, to help ensure the service is viable, attractive and a dependable transport option. With Horizons’ review of the service aiming to deliver a major step-change in the quality of the public transport service provided to Palmy residents, the existing terminal needs to be improved and revitalised to ensure there are viable alternatives to Palmerston North’s dependence on cars, and to support the decarbonisation of the city’s transport system.
Our parking framework will also evaluate our transport needs for the future, considering issues such as the reduction of carbon emissions, catering to population and urban growth, integration of parking with the wider transport system, managing parking space as a limited public resource and evaluating the needs of individuals, businesses and the wider community.