February 19, 2014

Reprieve for Taihape bus service

Horizons Regional Council’s fortnightly bus service from Taihape looks set to continue following a recommendation passed by the Region’s Passenger Transport Committee this week.

The service, which was reinstated in December 2012 following public submissions, travels to Wanganui on the first Thursday and Palmerston North on the third Friday of every month.

A report provided to the Committee showed 324 one-way trips were made on the service between 1 December 2012 and 30 November 2013. However, there is a need for numbers to increase.

Chair of Horizons’ Passenger Transport Committee Rachel Keedwell says the Taihape bus fills a transport void by providing an affordable option for those who wish to travel out of town.

“It truly is a community service and a vital link to friends, shopping and appointments. However, it will be reviewed again in December and passenger numbers do need to remain stable or increase to keep the service viable,” she says.

To help ensure sharing of information and feedback, Horizons officers have established relationships with a number of groups within the Taihape and Marton communities. They also plan to talk directly to potential passengers over the coming months in an effort to raise awareness and get more people on-board.

Those wanting to hop aboard the new service are encouraged to contact GoBus on 06 3881 427 or021 8211 407 to secure their seat, find out more about fares and stops or arrange an alternative pick-up point.

More information is also available via Horizons Regional Council’s website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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