Transport Minister Phil Twyford, received our petition of 5,500 at Auckland Council headquarters on Friday and committed to the comprehensive review of the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM), including the review of the 'exempt' status enjoyed by Fullers.

Attending the presentation were my council colleagues who have been championing with me the sorting of the Waiheke and Devonport ferry services.

The minister made it very clear that while the PTOM review is underway he expects Fullers to front up and work with Auckland Transport to address what he calls the "pain points".

The pain points being addressed include; integration of services and branding, fare integration, service levels, berthing space for ferries, landside infrastructure, and improved amenity for queueing passengers on the wharf.

Integrated ferry/bus/rail fares starting 7 February will definitely apply to the Devonport service. We’ve got that nailed. There’s more negotiation required to achieve that for Waiheke.

I should add that I had a free and frank hour and three quarters meeting with Fullers CEO Mike Horne two weeks ago. The product of that has been a number of meetings between AT executive staff and Fullers executive staff to address those ‘pain points’. Fullers are now disclosing performance data to AT. That’s a positive move.

I am due to convene a meeting of the Fullers and AT CEOs in mid-October to review progress on discussions and negotiations.

Thanks again for the massive support offered to the petition. Every signature counted towards the progress we have made and will make further.

My best

Chris

Chris Darby
Councillor | North Shore ward
Chair I Planning Committee
p. 021-2842888
e. chris.darby@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
w. www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

From left to right; Pippa Coom (Waitemata Local Board chair), Chris Darby (Councillor - North Shore ward), Hon Phil Twyford (Transport Minister), Cath Handley (Waiheke Local Board chair) and Richard Hills (Councillor - North Shore ward)