Published: 08 Dec 2022

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has announced the selection of Timaru District Council for the Transport Choices Programme, providing new funding to progress projects that will help to reduce reliance on cars, contributing to reduction in land transport emissions.

Part of Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the Transport Choices Programme will invest $350 million across New Zealand, supporting construction of  strategic cycle networks,  creating walkable neighbourhoods, enabling healthier school travel, and making public transport more reliable and easier to use.

Timaru District Council Land Transport Manger, Susannah Ratahi, says the funding will help the district to get on the journey to providing a genuine alternative to travelling by car.

“The community is already impacted by climate change, and we will respond locally with resilience improvements and encouraging people to shift to active and public transport options. Walking, biking and using public transport more will help us to reduce emissions, and also has many health benefits. This funding will help us to make these options safer and more attractive,” she said.

Waka Kotahi Manager Urban Mobility, Kathryn King says she was pleased the council had received funding as part of the Transport Choices programme.

“The aim is to open up streets so everyone can get where they need to go in ways that are good for their health and the planet,” she said.

Of the national funding, Timaru District Council has been allocated $6.45 million to progress these main active travel projects:

• Timaru coastal and urban cycling packages – strengthening and building on existing cycle links.
• Timaru schools package – enabling safer active travel around selected Timaru schools.
• Arthur Street west – improvements to support safer connections to Timaru’s urban centre
• MyWay on Stafford Street – trialling the location of a new MyWay themed parklet to give the service more presence on Timaru’s main street.
• Timaru urban public transport infrastructure upgrades – supporting upgrade of existing public transport infrastructure upgrades to better serve MyWay users

Transport Choices funding is currently indicative until Waka Kotahi works with Councils to explore how projects can be progressed in line with Transport Choices timeframes. Funding allocations may be adjusted after this consultation.

Timaru District Council will be working with key stakeholders and Waka Kotahi over the coming months to further refine the project proposals, with construction to be phased over 2023/2024.

IMAGE: Concept images of the MyWay Parklet to be installed on Stafford Street.

Last updated: 08 Dec 2022