New quality standards approved for urban buses

The NZTA Board has approved new quality standards for urban buses used in public transport services.

The new standards are aimed at increasing public transport usage by improving the attractiveness and usability of urban buses, with a particular emphasis on improving accessibility.

The vehicle quality standards, outlined in the document Requirements for urban buses in New Zealand, will form part of the Procurement Manual used by regional councils when procuring urban bus services.

Making urban buses more accessible will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and impairments, while at the same time making public transport a more attractive option for the general public.

The adoption of common quality standards by all regional councils will also result in benefits from greater efficiency and standardisation in bus building in New Zealand.

The new quality standards were jointly developed by NZTA and the New Zealand Bus and Coach Association. Input was also provided by Environment Canterbury, Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and bus manufacturer Designline International Holdings (NZ).

Specific improvements covered by the new standards include minimum step heights and depths, minimum aisle width, priority seating requirements, better provision of handrails and grab handles, minimum dimensions for external destination signs on buses, new requirements for wheelchair spaces and improved lighting.

The standards specify requirements for buses in the existing fleet as well as requirements for vehicles entering urban service for the first time. Vehicles meeting these standards are expected to enter service from late 2009 onwards.

For further information, the document can be accessed below.

Requirements for urban buses in New Zealand

Page created: 28 January 2009