By email
Shed 39, 2 Fryatt Quay
Pipitea, Wel ington 6011
PO Box 11646
28 November 2018
Manners Street
Wel ington 6142
T 04 384 5708
File Ref: OIAP-7-8186
F 04 385 6960
www.gw.govt.nz
Andrew Crow
[FYI request #8961 email]
Dear Mr Crow
Request for information 2018-314
I refer to your request for information dated 30 October 2018, which was received by Greater
Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) on 30 October 2018. You have requested the following
information:
“[…]Today I have seen discussion on Twitter about the removal of seats at a bus stop in Mt Cook
Wellington.
According to the tweet (with photos) the seats at the bus stop have been removed and replaced with
a wooden rail that people can lean on.
Under the OIA I request:
1. Cost of this change.
2. Reasons for this change.
3. Any documents or emails that approved this change.
4. Any information about how this new design will impact public with disabilities.
5. Any other documents that would help the public understand why seats have been removed.”
GWRC’s response follows:
1. Cost of the change to Stop
The cost of the change to the bus stop was $77,654 plus traffic management fees.
2. Reasons for this change
The stop at Mount Cook is located on a narrow footpath beside a busy intersection. The Mount Cook
residents association (Mount Cook Mobilised) highlighted that a large number of passengers who
wait for buses at this stop during busy periods had caused the path to be inaccessible for pedestrians,
and that pedestrians who use the path would often have to step into the roadway to pass the waiting
passengers. This was felt to be a safety issue that needed to be resolved.
In addition, the old shelter at this bus stop was very near to its end of life after being hit several
times at the roofline and hence was not meeting the safety, accessibility and other applicable
requirements set out in the relevant guidelines, including the ‘Crime Prevention Through
RESPONSE TO OIA 2018-314
Environmental Design’ guidelines. Renewal of the shelter was therefore brought forward to address
the concerns raised by the local residents.
3. Any documents or emails that approved the change to Stop
The renewal of the bus stop at Mount Cook is part of the wider programme of bus stop renewals and
upgrading of shelters across the region and therefore did not need specific individual approval. The
programme has an approved budget and requirement to renew a number of shelters each year. Under
the programme, priorities may change in response to the needs as they arise on the ground and
accordingly renewal of some shelters may be brought forward to meet operational requirements, and
address safety issues.
4. Any information about how this new design will impact public with disabilities
All new Metlink shelters are designed to the current accessibility standards. The entire path at this
stop is designed to be concrete to give an even surface without trip hazards, and spaces are allocated
for wheelchairs or walking frames to pull into and pass in front of the shelter. The new shelters have
improved accessibility within the bus stop area compared to the old shelters.
The old seat did not allow for disability access into the shelter and the requirements for footpath
space had restricted the area we could utilise. The seat was therefore changed to a leaner, which
takes up less space and allows for more people to use the footpath for waiting and passing.
5. Any other documents that would help the public understand why seats have been removed
The following two documents contain the information on requirements for design and construction
of urban amenities including bus stop shelters. These documents guide us on space requirements of
the footpath and therefore the size and space that a bus shelter is allowed to take up on the footpath.
Wellington
City
Council
Hierarchy
of
Roads:
https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/your-
council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/district-plan/volume03/files/v3map33.pdf?la=en – classifies the
road to a certain category.
The
Wellington
City
Council
Codes
of
Practice
for
Land
Development:
https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/services/environment-and-waste/urban-
development/files/04partc.pdf?la=en – provides guidance on space requirement for road categories.
If you have any concerns with the decision(s) referred to in this letter, you have the right to request
an investigation and review by the Ombudsman under section 27(3) of the Local Government
Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
Yours sincerely
Angus Gabara
General Manager, Public Transport (Acting)
RESPONSE TO OIA 2018-314
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