Ruakaka bus service survey

Bream Bay residents are to be surveyed from next month to gauge demand for the possible reintroduction of a public bus service between Ruakaka and Whangarei.

A public bus service to the area was last trialled about eight years ago, but was discontinued due to low passenger numbers.

However, following a recent increase in requests for a Ruakaka bus service from potential users, the Northland Regional Council is now revisiting the issue, says Public Passenger Transport Officer Sharlene Selkirk.

“We’re running the survey to find out how many people would now use a Ruakaka service, so we can see if it’s feasible to run another trial in the area.”

Mrs Selkirk says the survey – which begins Thursday 01 December - will also ask residents about their interest in carpooling.

“Carpooling is a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than driving alone, and there are several schemes running around the country.

“If people in the area are interested, we can help facilitate the set-up of a local scheme to put them in touch with one another.”

A survey form will be published in the local Bream Bay News newspaper on 01 December and 15 December and will be distributed to various places in the Ruakaka area. The survey will also be available on the council’s website from 01 December via www.nrc.govt.nz/ruakakasurvey

In order to ensure as many people as possible get a chance to comment, the survey will run for an extended period until Friday 17 February, says Mrs Selkirk.

“We’re opening this up for more than 10 weeks because it’s a really busy time of year for most people, especially with the holiday season coming up.”