Route changes and fare increases for Schoolhopper users

Students planning to use Tauranga's Schoolhopper network this year are being reminded to check their route online before they leave for their first day at school.

Minor changes have been made to a handful of routes to improve the network, based on feedback from users, the bus companies and schools.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which manages the network, has also updated its Baybus website to make it easier for people to find information about their routes.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor and chairman of the Public Transport Subcommittee Lyall Thurston said Schoolhopper users should also be aware of a fare increase on the network, which was approved by the Regional Council in November.

The increase, to $1.51 from $1.15 for those using a Smartride Card and to $1.90 from $1.60 for a cash fare, will take place from February 2. It will apply on both the Schoolhopper and Bayhopper networks.

Cr Thurston said the change meant the student fare would be standard across both the Tauranga urban Bayhopper and Schoolhopper networks.

"The increase has been made in line with other increases that occurred across the region on our networks last year, and follows the regional policy for setting fares," Cr Thurston said.