Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

I request information regarding the recent issue involving the use of bike racks on buses, including the assertion that a ban exists. Specifically, I seek to understand the following:

Detection of issue

1. How was the issue of bike racks on buses being potentially non-compliant with regulations undetected for over 12 years?

2. Was any review or audit undertaken during this time that could have identified the issue? If so, please provide details.

Issue reporting

3. Who initially reported the issue, and through what means (e.g., formal complaint, internal review, external stakeholder communication)?

4. On what date was the issue first brought to NZTA’s attention?

Steps for remediation

5. What specific steps are required to remedy the issue so that bike racks can legally and safely remain on buses?

6. Have any bus operators or regional transport authorities taken actions to address or resolve the issue? If so, please provide details of these actions and their outcomes.

Clarification of the ban

7. Who first communicated that a ban on bike racks existed?

8. If no formal ban was in place, what steps were taken by NZTA to clarify the situation and prevent confusion among bus operators, regional councils, and the public?

Alternative solutions

9. Have alternative solutions been explored to allow bike racks to remain on buses, such as design modifications or exemptions? If so, please provide details.

10. Are there ongoing efforts to resolve the issue in collaboration with stakeholders?

Policy review

11. Has NZTA undertaken any review of its policies or procedures in light of this issue to ensure similar oversights do not occur in the future? If so, please provide details.

I request that the information be provided in electronic format. If any part of my request is unclear or if fulfilling it will incur substantial cost or effort, please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss refining the scope of the request.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.

Yours faithfully,

Cody C