MEDIA RELEASE

Quick pick up on new city bus services
For immediate release: Monday 26 February 2007

Tauranga people have been quick to pick up on new and improved city bus services.

Environment Bay of Plenty introduced public holiday services for the Bay Hopper network in October. It also improved the frequency of its Papamoa route.

In December, Tauranga City Council put in short-term funding to boost three other busy city routes, Matua/Bookfield, Windermere and Welcome Bay.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s transport committee chairman, Athole Herbert, says bus travellers are already making use of the improved services. “It’s been a very promising start, and we’re very happy with it, but it is too early to conclude that the changes have been successful. It usually takes two to three years to fully realise patronage changes resulting from a service improvement, so we will have to wait and see.”

Public holiday services started on Labour Day and have so far included Boxing Day, and two days over New Year. “We’ve already had quite good pick up and expect this to increase further as people’s awareness builds,” Mr Herbert says.

The Papamoa service, or Route 6, now runs every half an hour. It has proved popular, with a 37% increase in use since October. Other services have increased by over 50%.

Environment Bay of Plenty manages the region’s passenger transport network, which includes Tauranga’s Bay Hopper, Rotorua’s Cityride, and eastern Bay services. Last year, Tauranga City Council contributed extra funding to bring forward planned improvements to three routes. Environment Bay of Plenty will pick up the ongoing tab for these in July, at the beginning of the new financial year. Tauranga City Council will then use its money to bring early improvements to other areas.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby says a well patronised bus service is an essential part of achieving the goal of a city that is easy and safe to move around.
"Public transport helps reduce congestion, is good for the environment and provides people with convenient, affordable and reliable travel options. We are very encouraged that more people are choosing to travel by bus."

ENDS

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