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Monday, February 10, 2014

New semester, new timetable for bus users

More direct buses to Massey’s Turitea campus will aid students returning to study this semester as Horizons Regional Council launches its revised bus timetable for 2014.

The updated timetable takes effect Monday February 17 and includes two additional early buses to the university at 7.20am and 8am as well as an increase in Saturday services to Massey and IPC.

Horizons transport manager Anne Redgrave says nine of Horizons’ number 15 buses which travel via Massey’s old Hokowhitu campus have been swapped to number 12s.

“Since Massey moved away from Hokowhitu we’ve seen passenger numbers drop on our number 15 services. However, the direct buses to Turitea and IPC are always really popular and this change will make it easier for students and staff,” she says.

Additional Saturday services will also be provided on the Highbury/Takaro, Rhodes/Roslyn and Fernlea Heights routes.

Ms Redgrave encourages anyone travelling on the city’s buses over the next few weeks to try and plan ahead.

“This time of year is by far the busiest and it can be a bit stressful for passengers and bus drivers. Many people are catching the bus for the first time and the buses fill up quickly so it pays to plan ahead.

“Palmerston North City Council is carrying out road works at the Fitzherbert Avenue/Park Road intersection which are expected to be completed by the time study starts but these could cause delays. It is always better to hop on an earlier bus and reach your destination in plenty of time than arrive late,” she says.

Passengers are also being asked to make sure they’re visible when waiting at the city’s bus stops and signal the driver so they know when to stop.

The new bus timetable will be available from Monday February 10 at the iSite, city libraries, Massey University, UCOL, Palmerston North City Council, Horizons Regional Council or onboard any Horizons bus. It is also available to view online at www.horizons.govt.nz under the passenger transport section.

Massey and UCOL students travel for free on all Horizons buses under a scheme funded by these tertiary providers in conjunction with a New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy.

ENDS

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