Boost for Rotorua bus passengers

16 may 2008

New bus services will launch in Rotorua from July as part of a drive by Environment Bay of Plenty to encourage more people to use the buses more often.

Rotorua commuters will benefit from a later bus service on all 10 routes from Tuesday 1 July enabling them to travel more sustainably to and from work.

Currently the last buses leave Rotorua town centre around 5.30 pm, which is impractical for many workers. Under the new timetable, the last bus will leave around 6 pm.

Weekend workers, shoppers and tourists will benefit from the launch of hourly services on a Sunday on all 10 routes in Rotorua. There will also be more accessible, low floor buses introduced on the Ngongotaha, polytechnic and airport routes.

Regional Land Transport Committee chairman Andrew von Dadelszen said the services would be funded by Environment Bay of Plenty as part of its commitment to offering sustainable travel.

"With these new services, buses will become an increasing more convenient way of travelling around Rotorua, as well as enabling us all to minimise our impact on the environment," said Mr von Dadelszen.

The improved services are part of a new deal with local operator Reesby Buses Limited. At a Council meeting yesterday (Thursday 15 May) Reesby Buses was announced as the winner of the contract to operate buses in Rotorua for another six years.

"We are pleased to be working with a local operator again who employs local drivers and mechanics," said Mr von Dadelszen.

As part of the contract bus fares in Rotorua are increasing for the first time in more than three years with the cash flat fare increasing by 10 per cent from $2 to $2.20. The 30 per cent Smartride discount remains so the standard Smartride trip will be $1.54.

ENDS

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