Quick update from WQ TMA July 2022

WQ Neighbours Forum, Cycling & walking news, EV ferries & double decker bus, and Jet Zero.   

 

Your Waterfront news from

Eke Panuku 

 

There is a lot going on in and around the waterfront.

The next Neighbours Forum will be held soon - Thursday 28th July at 830am, ASB Cube,12 Jellicoe Street.  This is an opportunity to hear about all things waterfront - updates and upcoming events relevant to Wynyard Quarter, as well as ask any questions you may have.

Also in the newsletter, Hobson Wharf is now open to explore, check out the augmented reality on Queens Wharf, details on the plans for the new Harbour Bridge Park, and the final stage of Tīramarama Way has now been completed.  

 

The Viaduct Events Centre is set to reopen in early 2023. Emirates Team New Zealand have confirmed it will relocate  from the VEC to the former INEOS base at 56 Brigham Street, Wynyard Quarter.

It is hoped that the Viaduct Events Centre will play a key role in attracting large scale events back to the city.

 
Read the full Eke Panuku newsletter here
 

Cycling and Walking news from Auckland Transport 

 

The Community Bike Fund is now open. This initiative supports community groups that encourage people to ride bikes in Auckland funding of up to $5000. Applications are open until 14th August.

AT are offering free guided rides on two brand new paths. These guided rides are for people who are already confident on a bike. Bikes and helmets can be provided for free, or bring your own.

There are tips on how to stay safe and bright this winter, as well as details on ongoing bike skills courses.  

There is also the chance to win some new winter bike gloves. The gloves have a waterproof liner plus water-repellent outer fabric, keeping your hands warm and dry.

Click on the link below read more and enter the draw to win.

 
Check out the full C&W newsletter now
 

Big shake up for ferries and lower fares for some passengers

 

Auckland ratepayers will own a new and upgraded fleet of ferries in a $100 million overhaul of services that also includes cheaper fares for many Waiheke Island commuters. Auckland Transport will for the first time own seven ferries, spending $80m on five electric hybrids. AT will also spend $15m buying and upgrading four older boats from Fullers360, fitting more efficient diesel engines in a long-term transition to a zero-carbon fleet.

Two cutting edge electric ferries will be built in Auckland.  

Auckland’s first two electric ferries could be on the water in 2024.

 

 
Read more about ferries in the Stuff article here
 

GenLess encourages sustainable commuting 

 

According to GenLess research 70% of New Zealanders are prepared to change their behaviour in order to reduce climate change. Opting out of the car for the commute to work will reduce emissions. Does your workplace encourage staff to walk, ride or take public transport to work? If not, GenLess have some resources you can use to encourage low-carbon commuting.

There is a handy workplace toolkit with lots of ideas and resources.

GenLess showcase businesses doing great things including Genesis (based in Wynyard Quarter).  Genesis have introduced subsidized public transport, ramped up car sharing, and made it easier for people to bike, run, or walk to work. 

 
Take a look at the full GenLess update here
 

Double decker bus converted to electric starts trial in Auckland 

 

Trials in Auckland have begun for the first double-decker commuter bus in the Southern Hemisphere to be converted from diesel to electric.

Masterton-based Tranzit converted the bus as a faster way of making the bus fleet zero-emission.

The environmental benefit of the conversion to electric showed on the trip to Auckland. Normally the bus would have used 340 litres of diesel. Instead the bus used 702 kilowatts of electricity, costing around $120.  Approx. 1 tonne of CO2 was saved, as well as round $1,000 in diesel costs.  

 
Read more on the double decker bus conversion here
 

50% off PT extended until end of January 2023

 

The Government has announced that the scheme to give 50% off public transport fares in Auckland will be extended until

31st January 2023. 

Now is a great time to try out pubic transport for your commute. All you need is an AT HOP card, if you don't already have one these are also half price. Some exclusion apply and the discount does not apply to Waiheke and tourist ferries (Rakino, Rangitoto etc.) but the Devonport  ferry is included. If you travel during the off peak periods you will get a further 10% off. 

If you would like help planning your commute email us

transportwq@outlook.com

Image from Invercargill City Council

 
Read all about 50% off public transport here
 

Viaduct Cycleway scheme underway

 

In 2021, AT trialed a street layout within the Viaduct which included a cycleway, one-way streets, and increased loading zones. In late 2021, it was announced that the cycleway and street enhancements would become permanent. There will be new pedestrian crossings, improved loading zone signage, improvements to street lighting and the installation of some new planters. The works will start in July and run until late November 2022 

To minimise disruption, work will be undertaken in stages, there will be some night work and detours will be in place when needed. Details of the works along with staging maps can be found here.  

 
Read more on the project and timeframes here
 

How Auckland Council is planning to cut its' emissions 

 

Auckland Council cutting its corporate carbon emissions. From electrifying the vehicle fleet to phasing out gas heating from facilities, they want to become cleaner and greener. Aquatic centres account for 32% of the council's total greenhouse gas emissions, 75% of which is produced by the gas boilers used for heating. AC's vehicle fleet accounts for around 14% of its total GHG emissions. They have a target to halve fleet emissions by 2025, with plans for at least 358 EVs by 2025. Measures to reduce reliance on the car fleet include encouraging staff to book out e-bikes or hop cards for work-related travel, enabling flexible working and video conferencing.

To learn more about the Auckland Council commitment to climate action, visit Auckland Forever.

 
Read more on the Auckland Council plans here
 

The companies doubling down on remote work

 

Some CEOs are permanently shutting office space to give up on hybrid set-ups and fully embrace working from home. Will others follow?

Yelp CEO announced that the 4,400 person company will by 29 July do away with hybrid set-ups altogether, and go fully remote. “Over time we came to realise that the future of work at Yelp is remote,” the CEO wrote in a blog post. Other companies are similarly doubling down on remote work. Airbnb, 3M, Spotify and Lyft have all enshrined permanent home-working set-ups. 

Read the full article below.

 

Image Cluttermonkey.co.nz

 
Read the BBC article by Bryan Lufkin here
 

UK to be Jet Zero by 2040?  

 

UK government announced a Jet Zero Strategy to decarbonise domestic aviation by 2040. In line with the commitment to help the domestic aviation sector on its net zero emissions pathway, the UK 

Government this week introduced its ambitious Jet Zero Strategy. The plan outlines six decarbonisation measures, including a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate to ensure at least 10% of jet fuel is made from sustainable sources by 2030. Accompanied by the development of new technology and infrastructure, the strategy hopes to enable “guilt-free, zero-emission hydrogen- and electric-powered regional flights for work and leisure” Read more in the link below. 

 
Read more on the Jet Zero Strategy now

Check out our news items and keep up to date

Got something you want to share? Email us transportwq@outlook.com

 

Email us transportwq@outlook.com
Phone 022 025 2720

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