Why do we need another bus stop?
Having bus stops in pairs makes it easier for public transport users to know where to go for getting on and getting off. The proposed location is closer for University students, residents to the west of Peer Street including the Parkstone retirement village.
Why are you proposing a raised safety platform with the zebra crossing?
We need to create a transport system that can get everyone where they want to going safely.
This approach supports Road to Zero(external link), New Zealand’s road safety strategy with a vision where everyone, whether they’re walking, cycling, driving, motorcycling or taking public transport, can get to where they’re going safely.
Raised safety platforms make the crossings safer and more attractive for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. These users are more vulnerable to serious injury or death from impact as they do not have the same protection as cars. Research behind safe system thinking shows to minimise the risk of serious injuries to people travelling outside of vehicles, vehicle speeds must be below 30km/h. These lower speeds provide more time for users to react to other traffic and avoid potential accidents. This reduces both the likelihood of all types of crashes and also reduces the severity of injuries when they do occur.
Why don't you install a signalised crossing instead?
Signalised crossings are expensive and beyond the scope of the current budget. A signalised crossing at this location could create further delay for all road users due to how close new signals would be to the signals at the nearby Waimairi Road/Peer Street intersection. Any signalised crossing would be installed on a raised safety platform to provide the safest outcome for all users.
Why are you doing work on Waimairi Road when Ilam Road needs safety improvements?
Council as a Metro partner works collaboratively with Environment Canterbury to improve bus infrastructure when bus routes are being reviewed. As the Orbiter route has now been confirmed to remain on Waimairi Road Council agreed to focus on making the crossing points of the two bus stops safer for everyone.
While this project won't be looking at Ilam Road, we are continuing to work with the community to understand the safety concerns on Ilam Road and what potential safety improvements can be installed. Any improvements on Ilam Road will be dependent on when a project gets included into the Long Term Plan, which you are able to have a say on in March 2024.(external link)
Will the proposed crossing create delays for vehicles?
The installation of a raised safety platform is designed to slow people down. Slower speeds will provide more time for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to observe each other, significantly reducing the likelihood of crashes and, in the unfortunate event a crash does occur, less severe injuries. Raised safety platforms are designed for 30km/h and, at the most congested times of the day (where travel speeds are less), they are not expected to create severe delays on Waimairi Road or at the traffic signals at Peer Street / Waimairi Road intersection.
There's an existing crossing at the Peer Street / Waimairi Road traffic lights, why don't you encourage people to cross there?
On-site observations have shown the proposed area is a popular crossing point for people travelling between the University of Canterbury and Peer Street on foot and by bicycle. We're wanting to make this crossing point safer.
Why can't you make the no parking restrictions P5 instead?
Bus stops require a certain amount of no stopping lines to allow the bus to easily negotiate into and out of the bus stop. It is not possible to allow P5 parking spaces close to bus stops instead of no stopping lines as this would create safety issues for all users and delays with the bus being able to access the stop.