Free bus services for AIMS Games week

September 1 2016

No fuss - take the bus.

That's the message to NZCT AIMS Games athletes and their supporters as the week-long tournament kicks off in Tauranga on Sunday.

As the population of a large town descends on Bay of Plenty - the games have a record 9300 competitors alone - Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council have put on free bus services to help ease the traffic burden.
A park and ride service will be available in Mount Maunganui to all athletes, their families and supporters throughout the week, with parking at ASB Baypark and buses running to Blake Park and the Mount Maunganui Hot Pools, and back, every 30mins.

All athletes, coaches and referees - anyone with an official wristband - will also get free Bayhopper bus services throughout Tauranga for the duration of the tournament.

"An event as big as ours can be tricky with the influx of traffic but this is an ideal way to ease the pressure on the roads next week," tournament director Vicki Semple explained. "We're delighted the two councils have come up with this amazing idea. There are some great benefits, not only for easing congestion but also as a cool way for whole teams to travel together and build their tournament spirit."

Tauranga City Council Sponsorship and Leverage Manager Sarah Lewis said the free park and ride service in Mount Maunganui could be used by anyone.

“For residents not involved in the AIMS Games, this is a great chance to check out some of the fantastic sports action with free parking at Baypark and free buses every 30 minutes to the main venues,” she said. “This kind of support is essential to ensuring the Games run as successfully and smoothly as possible and we are happy to assist.”

The AIMS Games is New Zealand's largest annual sporting tournament, with athletes from 271 schools from around New Zealand competing in 21 different sporting codes.

For travel times, go to www.baybus.co.nz/AIMS for more information.

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