Te Puke bus service gets more modern vehicle

The recent introduction of a more modern vehicle will address capacity and accessibility concerns on the popular Bay of Plenty Regional Council-contracted Te Puke bus services. Photo/File

A new bus offering more space and improved comfort is being introduced to Te Puke to Tauranga commuters.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council announced the "more modern vehicle" would address capacity and accessibility concerns on the local bus services.

The council said the bus could accommodate 37 passengers offering more space and more comfort for those making the daily week-day journey on the Te Puke-Tauranga run. The same vehicle would be used on the Te Puke-Tauranga shopper route which operates on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Accessibility for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility would also improve, with a lower floor and improved wheelchair access on the new vehicle.

Public transport committee chairman Lyall Thurston said the addition of the new bus was a reflection of the growing appetite for alternative modes of transport.

"It's great to see such a demand for public transport in Te Puke and we're very happy to be able to provide a larger vehicle to accommodate the increased patronage."

In addition to the Te Puke upgrade, public feedback has resulted in another route for the Western Bay of Plenty region with the new Town Connector service linking Waihi Beach, Waihī and Katikati every Thursday.

Route information and timetables are available at www.baybus.co.nz or by calling 0800 4 BAY BUS (0800 4 229 28).