People with disabilities, mobility issues or anxiety about using public transport can try out the Bay Hopper accessible buses in a safe, supportive environment.
The have a go on an accessible bus event, organised by CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty with Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Go Bus, gives people the chance to familiarise themselves with local bus features so they can feel more confident using public transport.
The event is taking place on Thursday from 11am to 2pm at the Wharf Street bus stop, outside TSB Bank in Tauranga's CBD.
Tauranga City Council Community Development Committee chairman Steve Morris said the event was timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is this year themed "Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities".
"Public transport is absolutely essential in making sure our city is accessible for everyone, and this event is a great way of helping people to feel more confident using our local buses so they can participate fully in their community," Cr Morris said.
"People will have the chance to try out the ramps, choose the most suitable routes and become familiar with timetables and ticketing options, all in a supportive environment without any pressure."
CCS Disability Action Bay of Plenty access coordinator Mandy Gudgeon said catching a bus could be challenging for those with a disability, or mobility or other issues.
"Taking a bus is one of those seemingly simple activities that most people do without a second thought," Ms Gudgeon said.
"But many people, due to age, disability, illness, frailty, anxiety or fear, can find taking public transport a real challenge.
"There are quite a number of processes involved, from hailing the bus to buying tickets, finding a seat and working out how and when to push call buttons. This event gives anyone who has concerns about catching a bus the chance to prepare for future journeys and ask any questions they may have."
The council is supporting the event as part of its Disability Strategy, which aims to remove the barriers faced by people living with a disability, and sets out how the council will contribute towards making Tauranga a more inclusive city.
The team from Emergency Management Bay of Plenty will also be at the event with emergency information specific for people with disabilities.