Timetable changes improve efficiency and service

Press, 28 September 1988, Page 23

Timetable changes improve efficiency and service

Timetable changes that have been put in place to begin on October 3 will simply remove duplication of buses on a number of routes, according to the Christchurch Transport Board deputy general manager, Mr Tony Francis. The changes mainly involve deletions and retiming of a number of trips during peak times. Alternative times or buses for passengers who normally travel on the affected routes have been established to ensure that noone is inconvenienced. Details of the alternatives have been clearly set out in a series of leaflets which are being handed out during this week on the affected buses. The C.T.B. has also put out a complete new set of timetables, which are available free from the Square Kiosk until October 7. “A number of routes will be affected, but everyone will have the opportunity to find out details of the changes be-

fore they happen,” says Mr Francis. “We are doing our best to inform the public through the media, newspaper advertisements and information on the buses.” Much of the initial responsibility for decisions on route changes or implementing new routes rests on the shoulders of C.T.B. operations planner, Mr His Admiraal. The operations planner is also involved in organising bus services for special events being held around the city. Last year he ensured special buses for the Airshow ran according to plan and next week there will be a shuttle service running from Heathcote Valley through to Lyttelton for the Shell 100 Power Boat Rally. Transport for these kinds of events is often organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport to avoid problems with congestion on the roads and parking problems. Any proposed alterations involve research into

exactly what passengers want and how they are likely to be affected by change, and must be approved by the Transport Licensing Authority before being put into place. The majority of changes made to timetables and routes over the years have been relatively

minor, as can be seen by looking at a map .of the old tram routes around the city — almost identical to the major bus routes now being serviced by C.T.B. The C.T.B. also has a bus user panel that is sent questionnaires at regular intervals throughout the year in exhange for free day passes. Information from this panel is used, along with other research to help with planning decisions.

The C.T.B.’s researcher, Mrs Jane Parfitt, says there are a number of vacancies .at present on the bus users’ panel and anyone who is interested should write to her care of the Transport Board, P.O. Box 927, Christchurch.