Free buses on offer for Aims Games

Free buses are on offer to help allieviate traffic congestion when the Aims Games begins this weekend. Photo/file

Free buses are on offer for Aims Games from this weekend.

More than 10,000 athletes will arrive in Tauranga when the week-long sporting tournament begins on Sunday.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has offered the free travel on all Tauranga Bayhopper buses to anyone with an official Aims Games wristband in an effort to combat congestion during the annual sporting extravaganza.

As well as the free Bayhopper buses, the regional council and Tauranga City Council provide a free park and ride service that runs between ASB Baypark, Baywave, Links Avenue Reserve, Blake Park and Mount Maunganui Hot Pools. The service will run every 30 minutes and is free for everyone.

Tournament director Vicki Semple said the transport options were ideal to help handle the influx of traffic.

"We're stoked to have Bayhopper and Bay of Plenty Regional Council on board again this year offering free travel to those with official Anchor Aims Games wristbands and the free park and ride from Baypark is another fantastic option, not just for athletes but for the public too. It helps ease congestion and is a cool way for teams to travel together and experience the real buzz of the tournament."

Public transport committee chairman Lyall Thurston said the regional council was thrilled to do its bit to contribute.

Click here for Bayhopper routes and timetables or click here for further park and ride details.