Media Release

13 January 2014

Another Record Breaking Year for goBay Public Transport

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council reports a record-breaking number of public transport trips on the goBay network in 2013. Regional Council transport coordinator Megan Welsby is delighted.

“There were 62,904 more passenger trips in 2013 than in 2012 – an increase of almost 9%,” says Megan.

While public transport numbers in some regions are declining, Hawke’s Bay passenger trips have steadily increased year-on-year, rising an incredible 81% since 2009.

Ongoing improvements to the network of 11 routes include services between Napier and Hastings every 15 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at off-peak times, delivering practical and convenient transport for Napier and Hastings people as well as visitors to the region.

“The ongoing success of the goBay public transport network is the result of an excellent relationship with our transport provider Go Bus Transport Ltd,” says Megan.

“We listen to and communicate regularly with our passengers using a monthly newspaper column, with a willingness to provide bespoke ticketing arrangements to organisations and people with special needs, and working to ensure that the public transport journey is an enjoyable and friendly experience for our passengers.”

“Being a small region obviously helps, with drivers getting to know individual passengers and their travel habits,” she adds.

During 2013 over 3,000 bikes were also carried on goBay services using specially mounted racks. The upshot is more people having greater access to the growing number of cycleways and bike tracks around the region.

Bus routes, timetable and fare information is at www.hbrc.govt.nz . Bus timetable booklets are available from bus drivers, with easy read timetables available from Megan by phoning 833 8032.

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