The latest report on public transport performance, compiled from Metlink’s own (scarce) data by stalwart transport nerd Mike Mellor. Report from 24 March.

Editor’s note: We’re still observing – (along with well-regarded local commentators like Dave Armstrong, and our own commenters) – a mismatch between public statements of how things are OK or getting better, and the actual data. They want to know your thoughts, though! Send your feedback.

The latest report which shows no significant change in overall performance still last week. Despite all the cancellations, performance of none of the top 10 routes is regarded by GWRC as unsatisfactory.

A reminder of the principles behind this report: it tracks performance over time of the top 10 bus routes and of trains, on average and by operator, as published weekly / monthly / irregularly by GWRC, against GWRC’s KPIs, showing trends and whether performance is on Target, Needs improvement or is Unsatisfactory. Whether the KPIs are appropriate is a matter of opinion: this report is concerned solely with matters of fact.

1. Bus Reliability

1.1. Despite the many cancellations, the published data shows that performance for both operators improved, Tranzurban achieving target performance but NZ Bus a long way below it  – but still not regarded by GWRC as Unsatisfactory! (Route 22 is the only route for which Unsatisfactory performance is recorded.)

1.2. Tranzurban continues to outperform NZ Bus.

1.3. NZ Bus has never achieved target. Performance has always been in the “Needs improvement” area, but none of this needed improvement has been delivered – driver shortages are just the most recent manifestation. This is a continuing significant failure on the part of both GWRC and NZ Bus.

2.1 No significant changes to punctuality, with NZ Bus still needing improvement: average punctuality is still at the same level as it was when this dataset commenced last November. All initiatives to improve performance have been ineffectual.

3. Train reliability

3.1 No new data has been published, and no initiatives to improve the Unsatisfactory performance announced.

4. Train punctuality

4.1 No new data has been published, and no initiatives to improve the Unsatisfactory performance announced.

5. Patronage

5.1 No data covering 2019 has been published.

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Data sources:

• Bus data: https://www.metlink.org.nz/on-our-way/measuring-progress-on-improvements-to-the-bus-network/
• Train data: https://www.metlink.org.nz/customer-services/rail-performance/

Read Mike’s earlier reports on Talk Wellington:
March 5
March 21
March 27

If you’ve noticed coverage is a little “bitsy”, you’re not wrong. These reports and the analysis are done by volunteers.

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Banner image credit: Twitter user Merxplat

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