A new group has been established to advise the district and regional councils on public and active transport matters and improve collaboration.

The Public and Active Travel Advisory Group (PATAG), which replaces the previous Transport Governance Group, is a joint forum of the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

PATAG’s terms of reference include advocacy for alternative and innovative transport solutions, including “buses, on-demand service options, ferries, rail, gondolas and emerging transport technologies”, and encouraging innovative investment into public transport services. 

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith, a member of PATAG, says the group was formed “in part by the ongoing frustrations that QLDC experienced in addressing the loss of services to ORBUS offerings in Queenstown as result of driver shortages”. 

“We know that the success of public transport is key to many of our transport projects and it must be well managed and reliable to achieve the required outcomes,” he said.

“For the Upper Clutha the learnings of the community shuttle trial and the long term plans of both councils will help determine the future of any public transport roll out in the Upper Clutha in the future. “

The group is a sign of increased collaboration on these issues between ORC and QLDC.

“Joint aspirations relating to mode shift and climate change action will continue to see active transport as a key issue for both councils across the district and region,” Quentin said.

While PATAG has no formal status, budget, or decision-making powers, the group will be consulted on any plans developed by ORC and QLDC for public and active transport. 

The group’s members are QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers, Quentin Smith, QLDC councillor Gavin Bartlett (infrastructure committee chair), chief executive Mike Theelan and property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery; ORC chair Gretchen Robertson, ORC councillors Alexa Forbes, Andrew Noone, Richard Saunders, and chief executive Pim Borren. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App