Media release
Newmarket Business Association
Monday 20 April 2009

Point Chevalier to Newmarket bus service launched

The Newmarket Business Association is delighted that a new bus service means Point Chevalier residents can now catch a direct bus to Newmarket during the weekends.

"As a Point Chevalier resident I have long been disappointed that locals can not catch one bus to Newmarket. Up until now, people have had to catch the bus to Karangahape Road and then most likely walk across Grafton Bridge, or go all the way into Britomart and then catch the Link Bus or train to Newmarket," says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

Scott Macarthur, the director of Macarthur Buslines, says his new service from Point Chevalier to Newmarket (via Kingsland) runs on an hourly basis on Saturdays and Sundays between 8am - 6.30pm. The cost from Point Chevalier to Newmarket is $3.20. The cost from Kingsland to
Newmarket is $1.60.

The bus leaves Point Chevalier at the top of the hour, with the first four stops at 355 Pt Chevalier Road, 265 Pt Chevalier Road, 243 Meola Road and 89 Moa Road with bus stops every 400m after that.

Once in Newmarket the bus stops at Crowhurst Street, twice along Broadway and on Khyber Pass Road. The bus leaves Newmarket on the half hour.

Mr Macarthur says he is keen to get the weekend service established, with the possibility of extending it out to a weekday service.

"I have studied town planning and have a passion for public transport. There are so many gaps in Auckland's public transport network and I'm keen to see people provided with more direct links to popular destinations.

The service doesn't get any public funding, so I'm hoping the community will get behind it," says Mr Macarthur.

Mr Brewer says news of this service has delighted Newmarket businesses and could not have come at a better time.

"This direct weekend link is a very timely development and is very cost effective for the commuter. No one can even run a car to Newmarket for that money, let alone pay for parking. I strongly encourage Point Chevalier residents to use it or lose it. Scott is filling a real gap in the market and so we all need to support his entrepreneurial spirit," says Mr Brewer.

Dubbed by Mr Brewer as the 'Newmarket Express', the bus is a 20-seater fully air conditioned Mitsubishi Rosa, which Macarthur says is set to get some sign writing soon.

For those wanting to find out more details about the service contact Scott on (021)164 1209 or visit www.mbl.net.nz.
From now to 31 May, passengers using this service will have an opportunity to go into a draw to win $200 worth goods from their chosen Newmarket shop, sponsored by the Newmarket Business Association.

ENDS

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