More People On Buses Leads To Expanded Services

Increased passenger numbers has led Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to add extra bus runs and expanded routes to the goBay bus services in Hastings and Napier.

Over 40,000 trips are now being made monthly on the goBay public bus network in Napier and Hastings. This increased usage has lead to more requests for increased services from passengers, as well as the Council seeing where changes would best meet passenger demand, said Alan Dick, Chairman of the Regional Council and the Regional Transport Committee.

“The increased demand may be an effect of the recession, but is also a result of improved buses, routes that are useful, and a greater awareness of the value of travelling by bus. The Saturday service between Hastings and Napier is perhaps the best example, as it has become so popular that it will be increased to an hourly service,” said Chairman Alan Dick.

The changes will take effect from Saturday 14 November and the Regional Council is now updating timetable booklets and timetable posters. In the meantime, goBay drivers will be distributing information to passengers, and posters will be displayed on the buses. Passengers can get also details of these service improvements at www.hbrc.govt.nz or by phoning Go Bus on 878 9250.

Increased demand for the Saturday services between Hastings and Napier has resulted this becoming a one-hourly service. On Saturdays the buses between Napier and Hastings will now leave Dalton Street, Napier and Eastbourne Street, Hastings, every hour on the hour, at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, midday, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.

An extra service on weekdays between Napier and Hastings will now leave Dalton Street, Napier and Eastbourne Street, Hastings at 2.30pm. This will be ideal for SuperGold card holders, who can travel free between 9am and 3pm.

Minor time adjustments to the Commuter Express services will help to reduce waiting times for people before and after work. Commuters want a fast, efficient service between the two cities and these changes will help to deliver that, with no time wasted waiting at bus stops.

The Napier-Tamatea-Taradale bus will now continue into the centre of Taradale. This will make travelling to work, the shops, the library and medical facilities more convenient for passengers, as previously this service only travelled as far as the Taradale Clock Tower.

Camberley, Raureka and Mahora people working in the Hastings CBD will now be able to get home from work with a new service leaving Eastbourne Street at 5.10pm Monday to Friday.

Earlier departure times on the Hastings-Flaxmere service will provide more options for Flaxmere people travelling to work in the Hastings CBD, and for students travelling to EIT and workers transferring to Napier buses.

“With petrol prices on the rise and the recent cellphone ban for drivers, this is a great time to travel by bus, and coming into Christmas people can also avoid parking hassles and delays,” says Chairman Alan Dick.