Public transport in the Horizons Region has hit a big milestone, surpassing one million passenger trips in a year across its bus services.
Horizons Passenger Transport Committee chair and Horizons Regional Councillor, Sam Ferguson says the recent growth is a positive sign that services are recovering after the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As with other public services, Covid hit our networks hard. It’s been a steady recovery since, and we’re finally returning to pre-Covid levels in terms of passenger trips on services,” said Cr Ferguson.
“In particular, the newest services, Te Ngaru – The Tide which launched in Whanganui 18 months ago, and the new Palmerston North network which launched back in March, have seen significant growth in public transport use.
“The demand for public transport is certainly there, so it’s great to see such a significant uptake of these services.”
Councillor Ferguson says public transport has many benefits.
“Having an effective public transport network helps open public spaces to all. It provides those who do not drive a way of getting around independently.”
“At the same time, it reduces the amount of private vehicles on the road, lessening congestion and producing fewer carbon emissions. It’s a win-win for our communities and the environment.”
Horizons manager transport services, Mark Read says Palmerston North bus users have been enjoying Aotearoa New Zealand’s first fully electric bus fleet in record numbers.
“Of the one million passenger trips logged in the last year, the new Palmerston North network is responsible for more than 500,000 of those. Keeping in mind the new service is only six months old, this is a massive uptake,” he said.
“When compared to the same reporting period last year, there had been around 385,000 passenger trips in six months. This equates to an additional 170,000 trips, or a 32% increase from 2022-23 numbers.
“This shows us that users are enjoying the benefits of the new network such as less time spent waiting between buses, and routes which travel directly where they want to go, rather than meandering around the city.”
Mr Read says the data also shows which routes are most popular, and with which user demographics.
“The 101 Airport – Massey route is the most travelled-on by far, and is alone responsible for more than a fifth of the total trips on the new network so far with more than 100,000 trips taken.”
“Second is the 105 Summerhill – Milson, which connects the northern and southern ends of the city and has logged 78,000 trips since March.
“Following close behind this is the 102 Maxwells Line – Roberts Line, with more than 77,000 trips total.”
Mr Read says Horizons is thrilled to share the milestone achievement with the local bus operator and public transport users.
“The bus operator, Tranzit, has worked tirelessly to hire and train new drivers to get the new network up and running. They’ve been an integral part of making the country’s first fully electric bus fleet happen, and we thank them for their ongoing work and dedication.”
Cr Ferguson says feedback is valuable to ensure users are provided with the level of service they expect from their public transport.
“We also want to thank our passengers, both new and frequent users, who have been champions of the new service. We’ve received plenty of feedback since the inception of the service, and continue to make adjustments to best optimise the network for as many users as possible.”
“Early user feedback on the new network resulted in the 108 Clyde Cres – Rugby St trial route, which services some areas that are slightly further from the frequent routes.
“We welcome feedback regularly, whether via formal submission on public consultations, or informal feedback directly to our Transport team through email at transport@horizons.govt.nz, or via freephone 0508 800 800,” he said.
