Try the bus – it’s on us
MEDIA RELEASE
Try the bus – it’s on us
Bus travel around Wanganui will be free for all passengers from Monday September 30 until Saturday October 5 as Horizons Regional Council encourages more people to get onboard with public transport.
The free week coincides with the launch of Horizons’ new GoCard design, created by Wanganui High School student Tiana Oldale. It is also the first week of the school holidays.
Horizons transport planner Wayne Wallace says waiving the fares for a week provides an opportunity for people who aren’t regular passengers to give the bus service a go.
“Horizons’ Wanganui bus network offers a cost-effective and convenient way to get from A to B.
“With petrol prices heading skyward, public transport is becoming an increasingly attractive option and we want to encourage more people to consider bus use as an alternative to private cars,” he says.
A number of fun activities will be held throughout the free week including healthy ‘free bus breakfasts’ at Trafalgar Square on Monday September 30 and Thursday October 3 as well as opportunities to ‘ride and win’ with More FM.
Horizons’ new-look GoCard will also be available to purchase less the $7 administration fee up until Saturday October 12. Passengers are reminded that balances cannot be transferred between GoCards.
Copies of the bus timetable are available online at www.horizons.govt.nz as well as from the i-SITE, Wanganui District Library, Horizons Regional and Wanganui District Council offices, Tranzit in Ridgway Street and onboard all Horizons’ buses.
“As the free week coincides with the school holidays, it’s also a good opportunity for students and families to give the service a go. However, it is open to all users and passengers may travel as many times as they like on any of our urban routes,” Mr Wallace says.
“We hope to see more people realise the benefits of bus use through this free week leading to higher patronage going forward.”
More information about fares, timetables and Horizons’ role in public transport is available online via the public transport section of Horizons’ website www.horizons.govt.nz
ENDS