Some of the most important people you will never see are those who work in Transport Operations Centres.
People like Megan, a senior operator within the team responsible for monitoring the Transmission Gully motorway.
The team at Transmission Gully Transport Operations Centre (TGTOC) work behind the scenes 24/7, ensuring journeys are easy, safe and connected. With 22 CCTV cameras spread across the motorway, the TGTOC team work closely with Ventia’s Incident Response Team as well as the Wellington Traffic Operations Centre, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and other emergency service providers to minimise disruption while maintaining public and employee safety.
Megan at the Transmission Gully Transport Operations Centre.
Even though the significance of her work is not widely known, Megan loves her job and notes that no two days are ever the same.
“It’s likely most people don’t know that we’re here or the part we play in helping them get from A to B safely and efficiently. Truth is every day is a huge team effort in making sure the network runs smoothly – it’s all behind the scenes,” Megan says.
Ventia Network Manager Matt Dixon says TGTOC’s team members are vital for keeping motorists safe and informed.
“We rely on the TGTOC team of Motorway Controllers to be our eyes on Transmission Gully motorway 24/7, to notify us of any incidents, as well as helping to inform motorists who may be affected as part of the larger network. The TGTOC team also helps provide important communication updates to the public via Variable Message Signs, as well as on the Waka Kotahi social media channels, and Journey Planner."
The TGTOC team, originally located at the Ventia office, recently moved to the Wellington Transport Operation Centre (WTOC) in Johnsonville in December 2022, which allows them to be better connected and informed about the wider network.
WTOC is responsible for approximately 8000km of state highways from Tūrangi to Bluff and Megan describes the move as an added bonus.
“They’re a great group of people who have each other’s backs – it’s also helpful because I get to see and hear what’s happening on the rest of the network. This gives us a chance to get prepared or try to prevent it having a significant impact on people’s journeys.”
Transport Operations Centres in New Zealand respond to about 60,000 unplanned events annually (including crashes, flooding, vehicle breakdowns and traffic light faults, and more), they operate 24/7 and cover the entire New Zealand state highway network – approximately 11,000km of roads.
