KatiCoach Numbers More Than Double

KatiCoach Numbers More Than Double

For immediate release: 21 January 2008 Passenger numbers have more than doubled on the bus service between Katikati and Tauranga within one month of rerouting the service via Omokoroa.

On December 3, 2007, the Monday to Friday KatiCoach commuter service to Tauranga began stopping at the Omokoroa Hamurana shops.

Since then the commuter service has seen passenger numbers increase from around seven to 17 passengers each way. About half of the passengers are using the service from Omokoroa. This means there are potentially up to 20 less car journeys on the road in the western Bay of Plenty a day.

The KatiCoach seats 21 people. It arrives in Tauranga at 7.50am and leaves the CBD at 5.15pm.

Omokoroa resident Tim Lander started using the service in December to get to and from work.

“It’s very convenient because it stops near my house and the journey takes the same time as it would for me to drive. And instead of using all my energy to concentrate on driving safely, I can sit on the bus and read a book, look at the scenery or just relax,” says Mr Lander.

The KatiCoach fares were also reduced in December from $8 for a standard adult travelling from Katikati to Tauranga to just $5.20, with a SmartRide card. From Omokoroa, an adult fare costs $2.80 with a SmartRide card.

The service is funded by Environment Bay of Plenty.

Andrew von Dadelszen, chairman of the regional council’s transport committee, says it is rewarding to see residents using the improved and more cost effective services.

“By serving Omokoroa the KatiCoach offers commuters an affordable and sustainable option for getting to and from work. It also enables commuters to arrive at work ready for the day ahead rather than feeling frazzled after sitting in traffic,” says Cllr von Dadelszen.

For more information visit www.baybus.co.nz or call 0800 4 BAYBUS (0800 422 928). Ends

For further media information please contact Andrew von Dadelszen, chairman of the regional council’s transport committee, on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or Fiona Robinson, Senior Communications Advisor, on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) ext 8380 or (021) 289 8380.

NB: The KatiCoach runs two key services. The commuter service runs Monday to Friday. It leaves Katikati at 7.05am and Hamurana Shops at Omokoroa at 7.25am arriving in Tauranga CBD at 7.50am and Tauranga Hospital at 8am. It leaves Tauranga Hospital at 5pm and Tauranga CBD at 5.15pm arriving in Omokoroa at 5.50pm and Katikati at 6.05pm. Previously Omokoroa commuters had to catch the Tauranga bus from SH2.

The second service is the KatiCoach shopper which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. It leaves Katikati at 9am and Hamurana Shops at Omokoroa at 9.35am arriving in Tauranga CBD at 10am and Tauranga Hospital at 10.10am. It leaves Tauranga Hospital at 1.50pm and Tauranga CBD at 2pm arriving in Omokoroa at 2.25pm and Katikati at 3pm.

Fiona Robinson Senior Communications Advisor Environment Bay of Plenty – Regional Council 6 Rata Street, Mt Maunganui P O Box 364, Whakatane, New Zealand Telephone: 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) Mobile 021 289 8380 Facsimile: 0800 ENV FAX (368 329) Auto Attendant: 0800 ENV AUTO (368 288) Extension: 8380 Website: www.envbop.govt.nz

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