Changes to Tauranga bus routes as new city centre bus stops open

People can use the new stops on southern Durham St (between Spring St and Elizabeth St) from April 28.

There will be major changes to some bus routes as Tauranga’s new permanent city centre bus stops open on Durham St this month.

Starting April 28, the bus stops on Durham St, Wharf St and Grey St will move to their new permanent location on southern Durham St, Bay of Plenty Regional Council said in a statement.

This was a 200m walk from the current interchange.

Major route and timetable changes happening at the same time will impact routes 52x, 70, 71, 80 and 81, with smaller adjustments for routes 2, 5, 22, 40, and 55.

“These are part of the regional council’s ongoing efforts to make public transport better for everyone.”

A map showing the new bus stops on Durham St.

Council acting transport operations manager Simon Bell said the focus was on making sure the transition for passengers is as smooth as possible.

“Anyone who might be impacted by these changes can access updated maps, dedicated customer support and regular updates by visiting our Baybus website or calling our customer contact team.”

People were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new bus stop locations and timetables before the changes happened.

Customer support staff will be at the existing Durham St interchange during the transition to assist passengers.

Major route changes:

• Route 52x (Tauranga Crossing – The Lakes – Tauranga City): Removal of morning outbound trips due to low demand.
• Routes 70 and 71 (Matua – Ngatai Rd – Tauranga City): Replaced by a new combined Route 7.
• Routes 80 and 81 (Katikati and Ōmokoroa – Tauranga): Adjusted timings, with Morton Rd included in all Route 80 trips and better support for student transfers.
• More information available on the Baybus website.