Waipā residents who regularly travel to Waikato Hospital in Hamilton for clinic appointments, work or to visit patients are being urged to have their say about their experiences.
Waikato District Health Board (DHB), Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency, Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional Council want to get an accurate picture of what people think about their transport options to both the hospital and the Waiora CBD Building in central Hamilton.
Congestion at the hospital has worsened in recent years despite the construction of two car parking buildings. More than 5000 people work on site and it is the most visited Hamilton location on any day of the week.
Residents neighbouring the hospital frequently complain to Hamilton City Council about staff and visitors blocking their streets and driveways.
Travel options for Waipā residents include BusIt services to and from Te Awamutu and Cambridge. The Te Awamutu one stops in the hospital campus while the Cambridge one links up with the Orbiter.
There are also Waikato DHB-funded travel services staffed by volunteers which can pick up people for health appointments and admissions. They include NZ Red Cross, St John and Trikiso.
But the primary method of reliable transport for Waipā residents remains the car.
The current heavy reliance on private cars is a problem for those on low incomes, or with mental and physical disabilities who need to access healthcare, but lack affordable travel options.
The survey period ends on Monday May 31.
Email any thoughts or ideas to WaikatoHospitalTransportPlan@waikatodhb.health.nz
