Thames Connector Bus Service is Starting

The six-month trial of our public bus service begins on Monday 4 December, providing low-cost transport to convenient locations in the Thames town centre between Tararu and Parawai.

The cost per ride is $2 for adults, $1 for children (16 and under) and Super Gold Card holders travel for free.

The service runs in both directions, taking about 75 minutes to do the full circuit between the Tararu retirement village and the Booms care home and more than two-dozen stops in between.

It starts at 9am at the Tararu retirement village before arriving at the Booms care home at 9:37am.Then it turns around and does the north-bound run, which is a bit different and takes in more of the Shortland district of Thames. The final south-bound run begins from Tararu at 2pm and the final north-bound runs departs the Booms at 2:40pm.

Thames Taxis was the supplier chosen after a competitive tender process and is using a brand-new 17-seater Ford Transit mini-bus.

The Thames Community Board approved $39,000 for the trial and Richardsons Real Estate has contributed $10,000.

"I'm really pleased this trial is getting underway," says Thames Community Board Chair Diane Connors.

"By providing low-cost, reliable public transport to popular and convenient locations in the Thames CBD, we're offering mobility to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to get out and about so easily," says Ms Connors.

"The route takes in much of central Thames and we've included stops in convenient locations such as the medical centre and hospital, Centennial Pool, the library, Goldfields Shopping Centre, the Civic Centre, the tennis and squash clubs and much more," Ms Connors says.

"People from across town can use it to get to the CBD for meetings, errands or to go out for lunch or a coffee.

"It's also about investing in our future, and building social inclusion and connectivity in Thames," says Ms Connors. "That's why we've called it Thames Connector. The success of the six-month trial will be based on passenger numbers, so the more people use it, the greater the chances the trial will be extended and attract the NZ Transport Agency subsidy of up to 51 percent."

Waikato Regional Council holds the contract with Thames Taxis because regional councils have responsibility for providing public transport services. Plus, this allows our Council to benefit from an NZTA subsidy if the trial is deemed a success and the Thames Connector service is continued.

After three months the route and timetable will be reviewed and amended if necessary, so we welcome your feedback. Contact us on 07 868 0200 or customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz and write "Thames Connector" in the email subject line.

For more information, go to www.tcdc.govt.nz/thamesconnector.

ENDS

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