17 October 2013

Bikes on Buses are a runaway success

The success of the Bikes on Buses programme in Hawke’s Bay has greatly exceeded initial expectations, to the point that other regions are asking their own transport providers for the service.

This joint initiative between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Go Bus Transport Ltd was originally planned for 2014. However the support of Hawke’s Bay authorities combined with the success of the programme in Christchurch saw the bike racks installed on 14 buses in September 2012, serving the main routes operated by the go Bay fleet.

One year on, the numbers confirm almost 2,500 bike trips, with the summer season likely to show a surge in these numbers.

HBRC Transport Manager Carol Gilbertson is very pleased with public use of the racks.

“The bus drivers can show a ‘first timer’ how to use the bike racks. People use them to commute between cities, catch a ride to or from Hawke’s Bay Trails, or just generally get out and about,” said Mrs Gilbertson.

“There was no easy way to forecast the likely use of Bikes on Buses, so the numbers speak for themselves and we’re very pleased.”

Each rack can carry two bikes at the same time. The one-off cost of $2,400 each was funded 50/50 by HBRC and NZTA. Passengers load and unload their own bikes, and there is no extra charge for the service.

ENDS

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