1 May 2018

Changes to Hutt Valley bus services are just around the corner as part of Metlink’s upgrade of bus services across the region, with a fleet of new vehicles and new services from 17 June, says Chair of Wellington Regional Council’s Sustainable Transport Committee Barbara Donaldson.

“We’re on our way to an integrated public transport network from Te Marua to Eastbourne, and that means a new look and new services for Metlink that are focused on what customers have told us they want,” says Cr Donaldson. “In the Hutt Valley that means new weekend services to Belmont, Kororokoro, Stokes Valley Heights, Trentham and Te Marua, while Riverstone Terraces will get a regular weekday bus service for the first time.

“Timetables will be changing too in preparation for wider changes in July so that buses and trains are more integrated. That means, for a short while, connections between bus and rail services will not be perfect, so please check your new bus timetable carefully. Connections will be much smoother from 15 July when rail timetables across the region are updated.

“We want to help more people go more places more often. So our bus fleet is changing too. The majority of buses will be brand new and painted in the Metlink colours of lime and yellow. They will be quieter and more comfortable, and feature the latest engine technology, air conditioning, and bike racks to help you get around better. We’re also ensuring that buses are the right size – so bigger buses will be on busier services, and smaller buses on quieter ones.

“Connecting with other services will also get better because we are bringing in free transfers between all Metlink buses in the Hutt Valley, as long as you pay with Snapper and it’s within 30 minutes of tagging off. So there is no extra fare to pay if changing buses at Queensgate for the Western Hills, at Upper Hutt for Te Marua, or Waterloo for a bus to Wainuiomata. From 15 JulySnapper and free transfers will be available on every Metlink bus in the region.

“Signing up for MyMetlink updates (at www.metlink.org.nz) is one of the best ways you can keep up to date with what this actually means for you and how you can be more connected,” Councillor Donaldson says. “Our new network is designed to offer our customers the best of our region. It will give us all a smoother and more comfortable travel experience. That will help our region grow and prosper, benefitting the lives of everyone in Greater Wellington.”

ENDS

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