Christmas shopping just got easier in Tauranga

Getting the Christmas shopping completed just got a bit easier for Tauranga residents, with the announcement that free Saturday buses into and out of the city centre are being continued for December.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Transport Policy Manager Garry Maloney said following the huge success of providing free Saturday buses in the city during November, it was decided to continue the promotion for December (note buses do not operate on Christmas Day).

“We’ve had some wonderful feedback on the promotion – from both shoppers saying how convenient it is to take the bus to get their shopping done, and from shop keepers who have noticed more people about on Saturdays,” Mr Maloney said. “They’ve said it’s really created a festive mood in the city which is adding to the festive feel.”

Mr Maloney said the free buses had been popular – with more than 7300 people taking the bus on the most popular Saturday (13 November).

“Even the least popular day had more than 5500 passengers use the bus – that’s 3000 more than the average Saturday for the previous three months,” Mr Maloney said. “It’s also been a great way for people to experience the simplicity of taking a bus, not having to worry about traffic or parking.”

For more information about bus timetables and bus routes in the city, people can visit www.baybus.co.nz or call 0800 4 BAY BUS.