The Napier i-Site would be an ideal bus stop, InterCity Coachlines says, but the Napier City Council told the company traffic management would be too difficult.
InterCity chief executive Malcolm Johns said a common arrival and departure point for all bus operators in Napier would be best, but the company would
abide by the Napier City Council decision.
When the Napier Travel Centre, which was not owned or operated by the company, closed in 2006 InterCity started working with the council to find an alternative.
The company's preferred arrival and departure point had always been the Napier i-Site, which was a "quality facility offering shelter and toilet facilities".
The Napier City Council rejected the i-Site option, citing traffic management concerns, and suggested a bus stop near Marineland, or one on Dalton St. "InterCity respects the fact that councils have the right to determine which bus stops operators use within their territories," Mr Johns said. InterCity was aware other bus operators continued to use the i-Site stop.
As soon as the company received negative feedback about the Marineland site it started working with the council to find another option.
"While InterCity's preferred location remains Napier i-Site, it respects the council's decision and jurisdiction on this matter and has no choice but to abide."
Dalton St was a workable solution for all bus operators as it offered shelter, and public toilets were close by.
InterCity hoped to start operating from the site early in September.
"We feel that we have done everything possible during the past two years to try and secure an arrival and departure point that works best for our passengers," Mr Johns said.
"Ultimately, however, it's up to the Napier City Council to decide which bus stop they believe best reflects the way Napier city wants to greet and farewell its Kiwi and international visitors."
