Extending The Timetable For The Blenheim Bus

An extended timetable is being considered for the orange Blenheim Bus.

A Saturday service running between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm has been suggested by the Council’s Assets and Services Committee.

Currently, the bus service runs Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, crossing town to Redwoodtown and Witherlea and to Springlands and Riversdale.

The bus service is not commercially viable but the Council funds the service, supported by sponsorship from Mitre 10 Mega and an NZTA subsidy, with a small revenue stream coming from fares. Councillors think the service could be extended to Saturday morning without much effect on the budget. They have also asked for a feasibility study to look at the cost of extending the service so that commuters could use it during the week.

A final decision about the Saturday morning timetable will be made by the full Council. The new timetable would begin running from February 2012 when the new contract for the service comes into effect.