KatiCoach Numbers More Than Double
Passenger numbers have more than doubled on the bus service between Katikati and Tauranga within one month of rerouting
the service via Omokoroa.
On December 3, 2007, the Monday to Friday KatiCoach commuter service to Tauranga began stopping at the Omokoroa Hamurana
shops.
Since then the commuter service has seen passenger numbers increase from around seven to 17 passengers each way. About
half of the passengers are using the service from Omokoroa. This means there are potentially up to 20 less car journeys
on the road in the western Bay of Plenty a day.
The KatiCoach seats 21 people. It arrives in Tauranga at 7.50am and leaves the CBD at 5.15pm.
Omokoroa resident Tim Lander started using the service in December to get to and from work.
“It’s very convenient because it stops near my house and the journey takes the same time as it would for me to drive.
And instead of using all my energy to concentrate on driving safely, I can sit on the bus and read a book, look at the
scenery or just relax,” says Mr Lander.
The KatiCoach fares were also reduced in December from $8 for a standard adult travelling from Katikati to Tauranga to
just $5.20, with a SmartRide card. From Omokoroa, an adult fare costs $2.80 with a SmartRide card.
The service is funded by Environment Bay of Plenty.
Andrew von Dadelszen, chairman of the regional council’s transport committee, says it is rewarding to see residents
using the improved and more cost effective services.
“By serving Omokoroa the KatiCoach offers commuters an affordable and sustainable option for getting to and from work.
It also enables commuters to arrive at work ready for the day ahead rather than feeling frazzled after sitting in
traffic,” says Cllr von Dadelszen.