Can he confirm that the Taranaki Regional Council had consulted on bigger bus network improvements that were unable to be funded because "the current government has since reprioritised funding", and will he consider making more funding available now so people in New Plymouth have better options to avoid using a car to conserve fuel?

Answer

NZTA has advised me that the Taranaki Regional Council submitted an investment bid for the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) for service improvements in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region. The bid was assessed as being below the threshold for inclusion as part of the regular NLTP process. NLTP funding for service improvements can be considered by the NZTA and its Board for prioritisation through the development of the 2027-30 NLTP commencing later this year. The Government is considering a range of responses to support New Zealanders to manage the current increased cost of travel.