MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 24 August 2012

Castlecliff Changes Welcomed By Bus Users

Change is on the way for Castlecliff bus users with a minor route change due to take effect Monday September 3.

Horizons Regional Council transport planner Wayne Wallace says the change is in response to feedback from passengers and aims to make the service more accessible, particularly for Gonville residents.

“With these changes in place, the inbound Castlecliff service will now travel from Tawa Street, up Rata Street, down Koromiko Road and into Carlton Ave before stopping at the hospital in Heads Road and continuing on its way. The outbound service will do the reverse.

“It’s a win-win for bus users as the route still provides easy access to the hospital while reducing the walking distance which has been a bit of a barrier for our elderly Gonville passengers,” Mr Wallace says.

Lucy Cowie of Age Concern Wanganui says the buses are seen as a lifeline by residents of Wanganui District Council’s Eugene Crotty, Colins Street and Walter Nash Place pensioner flats and the change will make a real difference.

“It is essential for our elderly residents to have a bus stop within reasonable walking distance. Many are no longer able to drive themselves or afford taxi services and can become quite isolated without access to public transport.

“We’re very pleased at the way Horizons has responded to residents’ concerns, met with residents and made the change in a timely manner.”

“SuperGold card holders travel free between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday as well as all day Saturday so as well as an increase in independence, the enhanced access will also assist residents in managing their budgets,” Ms Cowie says.

More information on bus services and timetables can be found on the Horizons Regional Council website www.horizons.govt.nz/passenger-services and timetables can be picked up from Horizons Regional Council, Wanganui District Council, the Wanganui iSite, Age Concern Wanganui, the library and onboard any Horizons bus.

ENDS

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