Bay of Plenty Regional Council is proposing a review of public transport services across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, aiming to improve reliability, better match current travel needs and prepare for upcoming changes to bus contracts.

The proposed changes include improvements to the Ōhope-Whakatāne (Route 122) and Ōpōtiki-Whakatāne (Route 147) routes, by providing more direct journeys, more reliable timetables and better connections to The Hub shopping centre and Whakatāne CBD.

Updates for other services include earlier start times, using different types of vehicles with more space for mobility aids or luggage, and changes to under-used routes.

Regional Council Transport Strategy Manager Andrew Williams says the bus network is due a review, particularly as some parts of it no longer reflect how people travel.

“Some services are working well, while others are out of step with what some of our communities need today.”

Mr Williams says this review is about making changes that will move more people, while staying within restricted funding envelopes.

“All public transport is co-funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), and budgets are tight. There’s no new funding available, so any improvements need to be balanced by reducing or removing services that aren’t well used.

“This is about making smart changes, using what we’ve got in a way that reflects local priorities. We know we can’t run a bus to everywhere, so it’s about getting the balance right.”

The routes under review include services in Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Matatā, Ōhope, Ōpōtiki, Tāneatua, Te Kaha, Waihau Bay, Potaka, Waimana and Whakatāne, as well as parts of the inter-regional service to Tauranga (Route 143).

Regional Council is inviting feedback on specific proposals and broader questions around what people value in local public transport.

Feedback is open from Wednesday 23 July to Wednesday 13 August.

To view the proposed changes and have your say, visit boprc.govt.nz/eastern-bay-buses

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