Real-time tracking for popular Taranaki bus service

1 April 2015

Passengers using a popular new Taranaki bus service are now able to check online to find out where the bus is and when it will arrive at their stop.

Free real-time information on the Hawera-New Plymouth Connector service is available on laptop and smartphone browsers via the TrackABus website at www.trackabus.co.nz/taranaki/#SH3.

Alternatively, passengers can text the code NPY and their bus stop number to 400 for a real-time estimate of bus arrival times. Bus stop numbers are shown on the Connector timetable at www.trc.govt.nz/hawera-np-connector/.

The Connector makes four round trips every weekday between Hawera and New Plymouth, with extensions from and to Opunake on the first and last trips of the day. It has proven popular in its first year of operation, particularly with WITT students and hospital patients. Since the start of this year, a second bus has been deployed at peak times to cope with the demand.

“We’re anticipating good uptake for TrackABus,” says Chris Clarke, Transport Services Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council, which provides the Connector service through its contractor, Pickering Motors.

“The Connector covers a lot ground every day and at times there can be delays because of traffic accidents or road works. TrackABus is an easy way for passengers to check on its whereabouts,” he says.

“However, we still recommend being at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is due. And the timetable has been tweaked slightly this week, so it’s worth a double check.”

Mr Clarke says the Council will look closely at passenger reaction to TrackABus before considering whether to also introduce it for New Plymouth Citylink services.

Using TrackABus: Go to www.trackabus.co.nz/taranaki/#SH3 and select your journey direction. Then click on your bus stop for an update. For text updates, send the code NPY and your bus stop number to 400. Bus stop numbers are shown on the Connector timetable.

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