Check those bus times, commuters urged

If you dash for the bus in the mornings, you’d better dash for information on upcoming timetable and route changes for New Plymouth CityLink services.

The changes take effect from 9 May, and details are available at www.taranakibus.info, and will be available on buses and at the Bus Centre in Ariki Street.

The changes will include:

• Adjustments, generally of one to 10 minutes, in departure times from many of the timed waypoints on most of the circular routes within New Plymouth, and on the services to and from Bell Block-Waitara, and Oakura.
• New peak-time services for Riversdale Drive in New Plymouth and for Glen Avon, both currently served only in off-peak hours.
• Greater coverage of Waitara East on outbound Waitara services from New Plymouth.
• Extensions to Jans Tce, Oakura, and Holloway Rd, Omata, on the Oakura service.
• Extra coverage on the Saturday New Plymouth West service.

“The timetable changes generally involve only a few minutes, but in most cases it’s earlier than current timetables,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Director-Operations, Rob Phillips. “So in particular, we’re urging those who are in the habit of running for the bus in the morning to take note of the changes.”

Mr Phillips says the Council and its contractor, Tranzit Coachlines, have worked together closely on the changes, which are aimed at making the service more efficient and attractive.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer greater service to Riversdale Drive, Glen Avon, Waitara East and Oakura,” he says. “It’s timely to offer more options just as rising petrol prices are prompting many people to look seriously at transport alternatives.”

However, he says the adage of “use it or lose it” still applies. The service is jointly funded by the Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency and “we must ensure that the usage justifies the money spent”.

The CityLink service has been aligned with the New Plymouth District Council’s “Let’s Go” programme, which promotes alternatives to car travel including cycling, walking and buses.