NZTA Waka Kotahi has confirmed no further funding for the Transport Choices programme will be available. In October 2023, NZTA Waka Kotahi paused funding until it received clear direction on the incoming government’s priorities for transport investment. The Minister of Transport has now advised all local authorities that no further funding for the Transport Choices programme will be approved. For our district, this means we will no longer receive funding to carry out our CBD accessibility improvements, bus stop upgrades, Matamata inner green route and Matamata connectivity programmes, due to be constructed this year. There is some internal budget available for us to implement some of the activities under these projects but at a very reduced scope. We are working now to prioritise which activities can be implemented based on the available budget.

The Transport Choices programme is part of the Climate Emergency Response Fund investing millions nationwide in projects that provide safer and more convenient choices for walking, cycling, and public transport to reduce people’s reliance on cars. Projects affected in our district include CBD accessibility improvements, bus stop improvements, Matamata green route and Matamata connectivity which are yet to have the construction phase approved by Waka Kotahi. We will provide an update on these projects once confirmed.

Background

Over the last few years we've carried out accessibility audits in the Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Aroha town centres and worked closely with accessibility groups to see how we can improve journeys for those who get around on foot, push prams or use mobility aids. Thanks to Waka Kotahi Transport Choices funding, we have successfully received $600,000 to action just over 50% of the upgrades and improvements identified in the audits. As part of the funding agreement, the upgrades must be complete by July 2024.

From November, you will see our contractors out and about making over 130 small, quick changes to some footpaths and crossing points, bringing significant improvement to accessibility in our town centres, in a short space of time. 

What sort of improvements are being made?

We have looked at a range of issues people are experiencing when moving around our towns and found opportunities to add better kerb ramps at some crossing points, increase mobility parking spaces, improve some crossing points, add tactile ground indicators for the visually impaired at some busy crossing points and repair some key footpaths. 

The Transport Choices funding will focus on improving the most serious issues identified in the accessibility audits. We will look to address the remaining issues over time as funding for maintenance and renewals becomes available. 

Why are changes being made?

We are aware there are many in our community who reply on our footpath and crossings network to get from A to B and access public spaces and services. Well maintained and connected footpaths and safe and easy to use crossings points are important for our communities to take part in healthy, green and active transport. It provides alternatives for people to access school, work, public spaces and our town centres and removes barriers for those who prefer independent, active travel or do not have easy access to a motor vehicle.  Improving accessibility in our towns will promote wellbeing and reduce reliance on cars, by providing safe and easy alternatives for children, caregivers, mobility aid users and those who walk dogs or walk and run for exercise, to move safety and easily around our towns.

Once the list of upgrades is finalised, we will provide more information about what improvements each town can expect to see, and where. Watch this space!

Transport Choices
Accessibility improvements is one of seven transport projects across the district that is receiving funding from the Waka Kotahi's Transport Choices programme. You can see more about Transport Choices and the other funded projects over at mpdc.nz/walkbikeride

$600,000 Transport Choices funding. This project is one of seven projects funded from the $2.3 million Waka Kotahi Transport Choices funding package. 

Waka Kotahi Transport Choices programme - Transport Choices is part of the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) that supports councils to begin immediate work to develop safer, greener and healthier travel options. 

Strategic Direction Summary  Council has set its strategic direction to inform our priorities and work programme moving forward. The strategic direction aligns with the four community wellbeings – social, environmental, cultural and economic which are core pillars of local government’s mandate.