Full details of all the routes and timetables for Taranaki’s new-look bus network have been unveiled as the rubber hits the road on upgrading public transport services in the region.
Improvements revealed by Taranaki Regional Council include enhanced regional connections such as a Saturday service connecting New Plymouth and Hāwera, streamlined urban routes, better hospital access and additional Saturday services with changes aiming to make services more direct and faster.
Building on feedback from the community about how public transport could be done better, the network’s launch in early April also includes a new and dedicated website with journey planning and real-time tracking functions to make catching a bus easier.
Council Chair, Craig Williamson says bus users and those wishing to give public transport a go can now start planning their trips as the journey to the official launch of the network moves up a gear.
“It’s exciting to be able to reveal the details of the routes across Taranaki as we start to build the foundations of a much stronger and more efficient bus network,” says Mr Williamson.
“I know there’ll be a lot of people out there wanting to see the improvements and hopefully they’ll appreciate the mahi to streamline services and make your travel more direct and quicker.
“It’s been a long road to get here as we’ve wanted to get the public on board with the changes and, while we’ve not been able to tick off everything on people’s wishlists, we think we’ve made a great start to improving connectivity across our communities.”
The list of upgrades include Saturday trips between New Plymouth and Hāwera and new trips between New Plymouth and Waitara and improvements for those needing to get to and from Taranaki Base Hospital from Westown and Hurdon.
Mr Williamson says it has been a balancing act to develop a new fit-for-purpose network amid government funding limits and, while there are some service reductions, these focus on routes which have low patronage.
“This is the start of a journey we’re taking together to create a bus network that’s reliable and suits the needs of people in urban and rural areas.”
“It’s also a milestone on our road to having zero emissions by 2035 as the new fleet taking people to work, shopping, out for a coffee or to school and college will include an additional 11 electric buses.”
The new network will be operational from 7 April. To check out the new routes and timetables, head to www.tepahi.govt.nz.
