Celebrating a Million Rides On Rotorua Buses!

Rotorua’s booming bus service will celebrate its millionth passenger soon - after just two and a half years on the road.

That’s great going, especially considering the size of the city. “Rotorua people really love their bus service. They’re proud of it, and right from the start they have embraced it as a fantastic way to travel,” says Environment Bay of Plenty’s transport committee chairman, Athole Herbert.

Cityride will reach its target sometime late next week, Mr Herbert says. “We think it is a reason to celebrate so we’re doing something special for the lucky millionth passenger.” The person will receive a prize package that includes flowers, chocolates and a year’s free bus travel.

Cityride’s little green buses are everywhere. They go every half an hour, which is a major factor in their success. Another hit is the flat rate charge for a ride, to a maximum of $2. The operator, Reesby Buses Ltd, makes sure the buses run on time and people feel welcomed when they use them, Mr Herbert says.

Environment Bay of Plenty and Land Transport New Zealand fund Rotorua’s bus service, with support from Rotorua District Council. The service is administered by the regional council, which also manages passenger transport in Tauranga and the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Mr Herbert says Environment Bay of Plenty has improved the region’s passenger transport services considerably over the past five years in particular. “We want to make bus transport a viable option, especially for people living in our two major urban centres. Our services help people who may not have any other way to get around. But they also help to relieve traffic congestion and, in the long run, will benefit the environment.”

ENDS

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