Whaikaha Accessibility advisory groups – PTAG and CPAG

Purpose

The Public Transport Accessibility Group (PTAG) and Capital Projects Accessibility Group (CPAG) work with Auckland Transport and key stakeholders to achieve an accessible transport environment where people of all ages and abilities can access transport choices that suit their needs. The goal is for all users to be able to go about their daily lives easily, affordably, safely, and as independently as possible.

About the advisories and what they do

PTAG and CPAG are internal, regional advisory groups facilitated by Auckland Transport (AT). PTAG focuses on the experience of public transport while CPAG focuses on design and build, but there are occasions where the two groups may share functions and projects. Auckland Council also has its own advisory panels. 

Subject matter experts and representatives of their community, members of these two groups provide Whaikaha Accessibility guidance to AT, Auckland Council, and key stakeholders on public transport initiatives presented to them by project leads. This might involve assessing the availability, affordability, accessibility, design, layout, equity, and acceptability of conveyances, service information, and operations of public transport vehicles (including taxis and other subsidised public transport services) for people with impairments.

Participating accessibility interest groups represent disability sectors including the blind, deaf, youth, seniors, physically disabled, and neurodiverse. AT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with each of these groups.

Māori wellbeing, outcomes, and expectations

Supporting Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) of Te Aratohu (Māori culture) is an important part of accessibility in public transport. Under the Maori Responsiveness Plan, we seek advisory members with lived experience in Te Ao Māori and/or knowledge of the contemporary issues facing Māori communities.   

Current PTAG and CPAG member agencies

AT aims to select representatives from as many disability groups as possible. Members attend monthly meetings and may raise issues (though not specific, individual cases) on behalf of their communities.

Each advisory has up to 10 members, though some may be in both groups. Members stand for 3-year terms and may reapply to stand for another term or withdraw.

• Age Concern New Zealand  
• Auckland Council
• Be. Lab 
• Blind and Low Vision New Zealand 
• Blind Citizens NZ, Auckland Branch  
• CCS Disability Action
• Deaf Aotearoa
• Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
• Halberg Foundation  
• Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust 
• Independent Living New Zealand  
• Spinal Support New Zealand Trust

PTAG and CPAG Meetings

PTAG and CPAG have 10 monthly meetings a year, from February to November, taking a break during the December and January holiday period.

Occasionally, additional meetings are called for site visits, project workshops, or other stakeholder engagements with external partner agencies such as Waka Kotahi.