Summer bus service for Mercury Bay and Hahei

This coming summer's bus services in Mercury Bay and Hahei will be operated by Murphy Busses and Paradise Cabs. Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Environment Waikato (EW) awarded the contracts after reviewing proposals from four companies.

The cost of the summer bus services is shared between TCDC and the NZ Transport Agency with EW providing the planning and administration role.

Paradise Cabs will operate two mini buses between Ferry Landing and Hot Water beach for six weeks starting on Monday 27 December. The addition of a second mini bus this summer will provide more services when people need them most.

Also beginning on Monday 27 December, Murphy Busses will operate the highly popular Hahei Park and Ride service from Hahei to Cathedral Cove.

EW's Acting Transport Operations manager Russell Turnbull says "These services are designed to help reduce congestion and help with road safety issues in the busy Mercury Bay area during the festive season." Mr Turnbull adds "A review of past services has shown that the shuttles are indeed reducing car journeys being made in the area.  We estimate the shuttles may have reduced car journeys by over 7,100 over the past two holiday seasons, which is a considerable amount of traffic." 

This summer marks the final year of the Hahei Beach's Park and Ride three-year trial, but the Hahei Beach Ratepayers Association has said it will not provide voluntary labour for this last trial year.

The Board will review the three-year trial early next year and decide the future of the service.

Council had budgeted $8,000 for its half share, but the effect of the changes this year has now taken that to an estimated $32,000. Therefore, although Council agreed to honor its commitment for this final trial summer and contribute the extra $24,000, it is possible the Mercury Bay Community Board may recommend Council reduce its commitment beyond the trial period.