Bus Network Review 2019

The Metlink Bus Network Journey

In July 2018 we made some major changes to Wellington’s bus transport network. This involved creating a more efficient network design (routes, bus stops and timetables), high-frequency routes and more services, more effective transfers and some improved off-peak services (especially at weekends).

As with any project of this size, it’s usual to review outcomes to check how we did, what we learned and what still needs to happen. A post implementation review was commissioned and undertaken by L.E.K Consulting Australia in December 2018. This review recommended a number of changes and a team was brought together to work on implementing the next steps. By far the largest part of this programme is a review of the bus network design - to look at what works well and what changes may need to be made.

Since then we have gone back to the Wellington city community to ask their views. We asked bus customers what could be improved and have engaged with interested customers across the city through a range of activities including focus groups, public drop-in workshops and online surveys.

The Wellington City Bus Network Review ran from July to September 2019 and was very generously supported by bus customers. 

The constructive feedback given for the Wellington City bus network has been used to inform a set of network recommendations that will be phased in over three years. Metlink has listened, developed a package of recommended network improvements, and laid out a time-lined action plan to deliver and/or consider the recommended developments and improvements.

We know many people have been negatively impacted in Wellington City by the July 2018 changes and the recommendations and associated actions seek to address all known issues over time.

The Wellington City review recommendations and associated action plan went before Council in December 2019. We’re connecting with the rest of the Wellington region during March and April 2020. This includes Porirua, Hutt Valley, Kāpiti Coast and the Wairarapa.

Post-implementation review 2019

Customer feedback workshops

Research company, Research First, worked with us to run the in-person drop-in workshops, focus groups and charrettes (large focus groups) across the city. In addition, we ran two on-line feedback surveys to gather customer insights to inform the development of the review recommendations and associated action plan.

Sustainable Transport Committee review

These reports were tabled with the Greater Wellington Regional Council Sustainable Transport Committee (STC) in September 2019.

Eastern Suburbs media release

Read the Eastern suburbs update media release(external link)

In 2018 after the July 2018 changes, L.E.K. Consulting (L.E.K.) was engaged to undertake an independent review of the implementation of the Wellington City and Hutt Valley bus networks to determine the effectiveness in delivering:

• The objectives of the Wellington Regional Public Transport Plan
• Levels of service that meet the needs of Wellington City and Hutt Valley communities

LEK media release

Read the LEK media release(external link)

Bus review reports and releases - Rest of Region