MEDIA RELEASE

Bay Hopper name to stay
For immediate release: 25 May 2009

A deal has been struck between Environment Bay of Plenty and Bayline Group Ltd to keep the name ‘Bay Hopper’ for the new Tauranga urban bus service.

Environment Bay of Plenty has entered into a purchase agreement to buy the trademark as of 1 June 2009.

Earlier this year the Council re-tendered the Tauranga urban bus contract and Bayline Group was unsuccessful in its bid to keep the contract. The new bus operator is Go Bus Ltd.

Environment Bay of Plenty Transport Committee Chairman Andrew von Dadelszen said he was delighted to have come to an agreement with Bayline Group Ltd.

“Our community knows the name Bay Hopper and this agreement means we’re able to keep a familiar name on our roads.”

Managing Director of Bayline Group Ltd, Tony Lugg said he was happy he could reach a deal with Environment Bay of Plenty that would also serve the community. Bayline Group Ltd will continue to run its school bus, charter bus and tour coach services throughout the western Bay of Plenty.

Along with a fresh look, the Bay Hopper buses will have a new fleet including 25 brand new buses with greater accessibility. The launch will also see the introduction of new direct routes and a simple fare structure.

The new-look yellow Bay Hopper buses will be on the streets of Tauranga when the new urban bus contract begins operating from 29 June 2009.

ENDS

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