What is the RUB?
The RUB is an NZTA approved urban bus quality standard for urban bus services developed by the NZTA, Bus and Coach Association New Zealand (BCA), public transport operators, bus builders and suppliers, Auckland Transport (the replacement agency for the Auckland Regional Transport Authority), Greater Wellington Regional Council and Environment Canterbury.
Why is the RUB being reviewed?
It is clear, two years on from the original RUB published in 2008, that the RUB has not been fully implemented by regional councils rather it has been implemented as a guide or minimum standard only. Regional differences are increasing costs for operators and decreasing their operational flexibility.
Currently all regional councils in New Zealand specify a different set of urban bus quality standards when tendering and managing their urban bus service contracts. Bus builders, bus industry suppliers and operators are adamant that this leads to increased capital and operating costs for buses, less operational flexibility because buses are not able to be used in multiple regions without modifications, and with minimal additional benefits for passengers.
The NZTA has also used the review to update, clarify and expand some of the technical requirements in the RUB.
The NZTA agrees with many public transport stakeholders that the quality of buses is important for creating a valued customer experience, attracting patronage from discretionary markets and ensuring better accessibility for all customers.
